1833 Dragoon Officer inscribed to Capt. Wm. Fulton - Preview

1833 Dragoon Officer inscribed: Captain Fulton, 2nd Reg*t. U.S. Dragoons

Manufactured: Springfield, Mass.  Maker: N.P. Ames Cutler  Year: c1836  Model: M1833 Dragoon Officer 
Size: 34 inch blade  Condition:  

A rare inscribed model 1833 Dragoon Officer. These swords are among the scarcest of U.S. Regulation officer's swords and almost never found with a period inscription. The hilt is gilt brass with a brass screw concealing the blade attachment. The grip is sharkskin  with Dragoon twist gilded wire. The etched blade has  floral, A stand of crossed American flags with a Liberty Cap pole. there is more floral, Lady Liberty also with a Liberty Cap. followed by a Federal Eagle and a theater drape. The reverse starts with floral, a stand of Arms with N.P. Ames / Cutler Springfield in very tiny dry needle etching. (very unusual blade mark). Next the etching proudly displays a panel reading: United States Dragoons.  It is followed with an American Eagle with stars above, Rays and a theater drape. The scabbard is the standard iron pattern with split rings. The backstrap inscription reads:  Capt W. M. Fulton / 2nd Regt. U.S. Dragoons. Fulton was from VA, Capt 2nd Dragoons 1836 through the Mexican War. He died in 1853.

Figure 01.01.09.1: Overview 1833 Dragoon Officer of Capt. Fulton 2nd U.S. Dragoons

Figure 01.01.09.2: Blade etching, Top: United States Dragoons, Middle: American Eagle, Bottom: Ricasso, unmarked

Figure 01.01.09.3: Inscription: Capt W. M. Fulton / 2nd Regt. U.S. Dragoons

Figure 01.01.09.4: Guilt guard and sharkskin grip with buff leather blade washer

Figure 01.01.09.5: Note the screw type cap to hide the blade tang

Figure 01.01.09.6: Blade etching

Figure 01.01.09.7: N.P. Ames / Springfield maker mark blade etching

Figure 01.01.09.8: Two branch guard and knuckle bow

Figure 01.01.09.9: Unmarked drag as found on officer swords other than government purchases

Figure 01.01.09.10:  Throat, top mount and split ring