1843 NP Ames Springfield Artillery Sword & Scabbard- Rare Double Buckle – Model 1832

Nathaniel P. Ames Model 1832 U.S. Foot Artillery Sword

Springfield, Massachusetts – Dated 1833

This fine early U.S. military sword was produced by the renowned maker Nathaniel P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1833. A classic example of the Model 1832/1833 Foot Artillery short sword, it reflects both Roman-inspired styling and the growing sophistication of American arms manufacturing during the early 19th century.

The brass hilt features an eagle-decorated pommel, a molded scale grip, and a heavy counter-guard stamped on the underside “S. HUSE/NEWBURYPORT” (Samuel Huse, a known U.S. government contractor and arms supplier). Also present is an oval “DT” inspector’s cartouche, attributed to U.S. Army Lieutenant Daniel Tyler, who oversaw contractor-made weapons in the 1830s.

The gladius-style blade is double-edged with a deep central fuller. One side is etched with a spread-winged eagle above “N.P. AMES/SPRINGFIELD”, while the opposite side bears the clear U.S. acceptance marking “UNITED STATES/1833.”

Accompanying the sword is its original black leather scabbard, complete with brass throat and tip and a button frog stud, showing excellent period workmanship.

Historical Note

The Ames company became the most important U.S. sword and edged weapon manufacturer of the 19th century, supplying blades through the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. Early-dated examples such as this 1833-dated piece are particularly prized, representing some of the very first mass-produced American military swords.