Model 1842 Naval Cutlass by Ames - dated 1842 - Preview

First year production with a type 1 scabbard described below.

Manufactured: Cabotville, Mass  Maker: N.P. Ames  Year: 1842  Model: Model 1842 
Size: 21.2 inch blade  Condition:  

Solid brass hilt with fish scale grip held by 3 steel rivets. An American eagle is cast into both sides of the pommel. The blade is double edged, slightly diamond shape with a raised center line on both sides.In width it starts at 1.7 inches at the guard, tapers to 1.49 and flairs to about 1.62 inches before tapering to the point. Obverse Blade Markings: N.P. Ames / Cabotville / Mass. and the reverse is marked U.S.N. / 1842. The 1842 dated swords appear to have never had any inspection markings as found on subsequent years of production. This sword has XVII 21 stamped into the guard. along with a D.L. scratched in two places on the quillon and inside the guard. The scabbard is back seamed leather with brass mounts held in place by very tiny brass pins. These pins become larger on later production.  The early frog stud is a cylindrical rod with a lip protruding down rather than the latter button type.

Figure 01.01.70.1: Overview

Figure 01.01.70.2: Roman Numerals and 21 stamped on the edge of the guard

Figure 01.01.70.3: U.S.N. / 1842

Figure 01.01.70.4: N. P. Ames / Cabotville / Mass.

Figure 01.01.70.5: Owners initials scratched .

Figure 01.01.70.6: Type 1 scabbard with tiny pins and destinctive frog stud.

Figure 01.01.70.7: Type 1 scabbard with tiny pins and destinctive frog stud.

Figure 01.01.70.8: 

Figure 01.01.70.9: 

Figure 01.01.70.10:  Note: no inspectors markings on the 1842 dated swords. Quillons are blank.