{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-m-1840-army-nco-sword-by-ames-mfg-co-dated-1866","title":"Original U.S. Civil War M-1840 Army NCO Sword by Ames Mfg. Co. - Dated 1864","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. Civil War Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer’s sword manufactured by \u003cb\u003eAmes Manufacturing Co. of Chicopee, Massachusetts\u003c\/b\u003e and dated \u003cb\u003e1864\u003c\/b\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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\u003cimg\u003ed on one side with the Ames Mfg. Co. Scroll company marking, which is partly faded at the top:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAMES MFG Co\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCHICOPEE.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMASS. MASS.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne the other side it is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eU.S.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eG.K.C. (C is worn away)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e1864\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eG.K.C.\u003c\/i\u003e is the inspector’s initials for \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eGeorge K. Charter\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, a well known inspector at Ames. The initials \u003cb\u003eJ.F.\u003c\/b\u003e are also stamped on the handguard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdopted 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox. Measurements:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 32\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Sword with Fuller\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 38¾“\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 4 1\/4”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45949200007237,"sku":"ONJR26SEM014","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/2E969B62-0682-4704-AFFF-A88C9C744AB6.jpg?v=1791398748","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-m-1840-army-nco-sword-by-ames-mfg-co-dated-1866","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}