S. C. Dragoon officer - Ames Mfg. Co. Cabotville - Preview

A seldom encountered Ames mark helps to put a date range of 1847 to 1848 on this sword.
Ames Mfg. Co. / Cabotville / Mass.

Manufactured: Cabotville, Mass  Maker: Ames Mfg. Co.  Year: 1847 - 1848  Model: 1833 dragoon officer 
Size: 34.25 inch blade  Condition:  

One of the few known South Carolina M1833 Dragoon Officer's Sabers. This is one of the most desirable of the M1833 Dragoon Officer Sabers. Fine Engraved Brass Scabbard with the large South Carolina State Seal between the mounts. The Palm tree is set in front of crossed flags and has a shield in front. Scabbard is gilt brass. The guard is gilt brass and the grip is sharkskin with dragoon twist gilt wire wrap. The guard consists of two branches on the obverse, the knuckle bow and a small branch on the reverse.  The 4 step pommel with integral backstrap are also covered with heavy gold. The blade is piened through a spanner nut which is covered in gilt. These sabers are considered secondary Confederate weapons. The  blade is etched with the Ames address: Ames Mfg. Co. / Cabotville / Mass, a floral urn, the Indian Tecumseh, a stand of arrow s in quivers with a Liberty pole & cap, An American Eagle with E. Pluribus Unum in dry needle etch with floral and foliate. The reverse has the potted urn, a stand of arms with crossed American flags and finishes with the eagle and floral.

Figure 01.01.14.1: Profile showing sharkskin grip, gilt hilt

Figure 01.01.14.2: Ames address

Figure 01.01.14.3: Top of hilt and inside guard

Figure 01.01.14.4: Tecunseh

Figure 01.01.14.5: Eagle

Figure 01.01.14.6: Overview

Figure 01.01.14.7: Scabbard detail with South Carolina state seal / drag

Figure 01.01.14.8: potted floral urn

Figure 01.01.14.9: Floral

Figure 01.01.14.10:  Underside showing buff leather blade washer