1833 Dragoon Officer, Engraved Brass Scabbard / Medical - Preview
1833 Dragoon Officer, Silver plated hilt and scabbard with a caduceus in the blade etch. Possiable Medical use
Manufactured: Springfield, Mass.
Maker: N. P. Ames Cutler
Year: c mid 1830s
Model: 1833 Dragoon officer
Size: 30 inch blade, intentionally shortened
Condition: Excellent+
1833 Dragoon Officer, Silver plated hilt and scabbard. This was common especially when made for Southern Militia organizations. caduceus on the blade could well indicate Medical use. A The grip is sharkskin with dragoon style wire wrap. The pommel has a recess for a flat cap often found on officer's sabers to conceal the tang. The blade is etched on the obverse with N. P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield followed by foliate, a large stand of arms with a Liberty Cap, an American Eagle with EPU ribbon and acorn and oak leaves. The reverse has acorn and oak leaves, A large stand of Arms with a large protruding caduceus, then another American Eagle and foliate. The engraved Brass Scabbard with solid carry rings was all silver plated. The scabbard design is engraved with an up swept winged Eagle with s shield but with an 8 pointed star rather than the stars & stripes usually found. Both sword and scabbard have been shortened to a 30 inch blade length. This also makes sense for a Medical officer.
Figure 01.01.11.1: Overview showing shortened length
Figure 01.01.11.2: Note: Silver plate on the guard. Ames address
Figure 01.01.11.3: Blade etching
Figure 01.01.11.4: blade etch
Figure 01.01.11.5: Ames Springfield address
Figure 01.01.11.6: Scabbard detail and old seam line to shorten scabbard
Figure 01.01.11.7: Scabbard detail and old seam line to shorten scabbard
Figure 01.01.11.8:
Figure 01.01.11.9: Reverse hilt, sharkskin grip with dragoon wire wrap