August 18 & 19, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/18/2020
Introduced as a short sword for use by artillerymen and by infantry sergeants, the 1832 pattern was eventually limited to use by foot, or heavy, artillery, though a few have been found in naval contexts during the Civil War, such as on the wreck of the U.S.S. Cairo, indicating they were found useful as ad hoc cutlasses. This one bears an N.P. Ames / Springfield stamp under a slightly rubbed Ames eagle on 1 side of the ricasso and a United States / 1835 stamp on the other. The blade and hilt are the standard configuration, with the pommel bearing an eagle on either side and the grip imitating scales and secured with 3 rivets. The blade has a good edge and point. No nicks to the edge. The metal is smooth, with no pitting. The surface is steel gray with darker gray clouding overall. The scabbard is solid, with mounts in place. The leather surface shows crackling and some losses with a fold or crease just above the drag that nevertheless seems firm. The throat is missing the fastening stud. A nice Alamo era sword that may well have seen action in the Seminole Wars, where artillery was often assigned to infantry duty, and Mexican War, as well as the Civil War. CONDITION: Good to very good. Inspector cartouches are visible on the underside of the crossguard. SR
Item Dimensions: Length: 25 - 1/4".