US M1840 Light Artillery Sword

Description

Like most US swords of the 19^th C, the US M1840 Light (Horse) Artillery Saber was patterned after a French model, in this case the M1829 Mounted Gunner’s Saber. On August 26, 1844, Nathan P. Ames, Jr. received his first contract for these new sabers. Ames made two versions of this saber and they were the only company contracted with the Ordnance Department to make them until 1861. The first version was patterned directly from the French M1829 and had no reinforced scabbard throat body, with the throat fitting into a raised casting at the bottom of the guard. These have been found as late as 1860. The second version, dated between 1861 and 1865, had the scabbard throat reinforced with a collar and the sword hilt had no recess. Instead, the scabbard fit against a leather washer on the base of the hilt to provide a waterproof seal. When the Civil War broke out, the ordnance Department contracted several other companies to produce the sword, all of which produced the second version, but Ames made by far the most, with 24,602 of these sabers being made by Ames between 1844 and 1865. This example with 32” curved single-edged blade with broad single fuller. The blade has been cleaned bright and there are no longer any visible date or maker’s markings. Brass hilt of typical form, featuring reverse scroll quillon and integral knuckle bow connected to the Phrygian helmet style pommel. Leather-covered wood grip, lacking its brass wire wrap. No scabbard. Overall length 37 1/8”. Blade bright, with light scratches and some spotting. Hilt with some movement, the brass with pleasing patina and grip leather worn.