Original U.S. Civil War M-1840 Army NCO Sword by Ames Mfg. Co. - Dated 1864
In stock
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. Civil War Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer’s sword manufactured by Ames Manufacturing Co. of Chicopee, Massachusetts and dated 1864. Ames was one of the principal American military edged-weapon manufacturers of the 19th century and supplied large quantities of swords to the United States government during the Civil War. The Model 1840 NCO sword was a long-serving pattern used by sergeants, standard bearers, hospital stewards, and other noncommissioned personnel.
The sword measures 38 ¾ " overall, and has an all-brass hilt, with a "double scallop" cross guard, and a "D" hand guard enclosing the knurled hand grip. The 32 inch straight blade's ricasso is marke
d on one side with the Ames Mfg. Co. Scroll company marking, which is partly faded at the top:
AMES MFG Co
CHICOPEE.
MASS. MASS.
One the other side it is marked:
U.S.
G.K.C. (C is worn away)
1864
G.K.C. is the inspector’s initials for George K. Charter, a well known inspector at Ames. The initials J.F. are also stamped on the handguard.
The sword is in very good condition, with a lovely blade that has minor oxidation spotting. The all brass handle has a lovely worn patina, with some heavy verdigris residue at the pommel.
Adopted in 1840, the Model 1840 NCO sword was based broadly upon contemporary French military patterns and remained in U.S. service through the Mexican-American War, Civil War, and into the later 19th century. Standard examples were generally issued with leather scabbards fitted with metal mounts, while later changes in U.S. equipment practice eventually led to the adoption of steel scabbards. The pattern is readily distinguished from the shorter Model 1840 Musician’s sword by its longer blade and full knucklebow.
This 1864-dated Ames example is particularly desirable for its clear U.S. ownership and date markings, surviving manufacturer stamp, original brass hilt, and visible inspection marks. The combination of wartime manufacture, good blade condition, and honest age-related patina makes it a strong representative example of the standard edged weapon carried by U.S. Army noncommissioned officers during the Civil War.
Approx. Measurements:
Blade Length: 32"
Blade Style: Single Edged Sword with Fuller
Overall length: 38¾“
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
