Ames - Massachusetts High Grade Militia Officer - Preview

Clam Shell Guard with Massachusetts state seal. Seal also on the blade and scabbard. Cast Silver grip.

Manufactured: Springfield / Cabotville, Mass.  Maker: N. P. Ames Cutler  Year: 1832-1847  Model: High grade militia 
Size: 31 inch blade  Condition: High Grade 

A very early and high grade officer's sword by and blade marked:     N. P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield. The Massachusetts state seal is raised on the clam shell guard, etched on the blade and engraved on the scabbard. The blade also has the American Eagle, and military motifs as well as a stand of arms with a liberty cap. The cast silver grip is of acorn & oak leaf designs. It has a fine knights helmet pommel with a high crest. There is a double chain knucklebow connecting to the guard. The brass scabbard has copper ring bands with double rings and a frog stun on the top mount and single ring below. The engraved scabbard has the Massachusetts state seal and a stand of arms. There is a gilded copper scroll plaque on the back reading: N.P. Ames / Maker / Cabotville, Mass.

Figure 01.01.76.1: Seldom seen Ames Raised design silver grip

Figure 01.01.76.2: State seal of MS on guard (also on scabbard and blade)

Figure 01.01.76.3: N. P. Ames / Cutler Springfield blade etch and Copper Ames scroll plaque on scabbard

Figure 01.01.76.4: Dcabbard detail and mounts. Note the use of gilt / copper on the ring bands and the Mass. state seal on scabbard

Figure 01.01.76.5: Mass. State seal on blade

Figure 01.01.76.6: American Eagle

Figure 01.01.76.7: Military motifs

Figure 01.01.76.8: everse hilt & raised carved / cast silver grip with acorn & oak leaves