Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a service wonr Ames Model 1832 Artillery Short sword, dated 1865. This design of foot artillery sword has a straight, heavy double-edged steel blade. There are two side-by-side fullers, starting just below the hilt. Then, after a space of 11/16", there is a single broad center fuller that extends toward the blade's spear shaped point. The overall blade length is approximately 19''.

The blade is stamped on the reverse, near the hilt:

On the obverse, near the hilt stamped under a partial American Eagle, is:

The hilt and cross guard are made from two pieces of cast brass, which are then fused together, though in some areas the seam has split. The grips have been molded in a scalloped eagle feather design. Three transverse iron rivets secure it to the tang of the blade. The pommel is decorated on each side with a heavily incised American eagle, with shield, holding arrows in his left talon and an olive branch in his right talon. The eagle's head faces towards its right. The straight cross quillons terminate in disk shaped finials.

The top of the crossguard is marked with several different markings, including ORD., JM, as well as H.K.C in an oval. We have not been able to identify all of these markings, leaving this as an excellent research opportunity.

Blade condition is good, though the blade has had significant amounts of light pitting, and has a dark oxidized patina. These were issued bright, so they would over time darken, and then rust. This has made the markings very difficult to see, but since we have had other examples, we know what they should be. The sword definitely appears to have seen service, as shown by the nicks and chips in the edge.

This is a very nice example of a service worn sword used before and during the U.S. Civil War.