Topographical Engineer M1839 - 1 - Preview

Styled from a M1833 Dragoon with an Extra Branch

Manufactured: Springfield, Mass  Maker: N. P. Ames  Year: C1839  Model: Pattern 1839 
Size: 34.4 blade length  Condition:  

This Topographical Engineer pattern was adopted in 1839. The pattern is based on a variation of the Model 1833 Dragoon Officer's Saber. The Guard is similar to the regulation Dragoon saber with the addition of a 4th branch to the guard, although some did not have this extra branch. A Star within a Star is cast into the quillon and the ferrule being decorated with Acorn and Oak Leaf design. The grip is fine sharkskin wound with fine dragoon style wire. The integral backstrap and pommel is capped with a gilt brass cap to hide the tang and nut. The blade is of quill back design and etched with a pointed sun burst, Makers address, N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield followed by Acorn & Oak Leaf foliage with a U.S. shield with letters TE in old English script, a stand of flags with Liberty Pole, group of Arms, Camp tent with U.S. flag and completed with Acorn & oak leaf foliage. The reverse starts with the burst, a scroll, foliage, center panel reading: United Stated Corps of / Topographical Engineers, an American Eagle,Tecumseh (Indian warrior) and Oak leaves.  The Scabbards are considerably thicker and heavier than their 1833 counterpart. There is a shield shaped, gilt, brass plaque on the obverse with T.E. and a rectangular one on the reverse reading N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield. Two-thirds of the officers of the Corps served actively in the field during the Mexican War. At the conclusion of peace most of them returned from Mexico either maimed with wounds or sick from the fatigue and exposure. The reports of the commanding generals paid frequent and brilliant compliments to their services. Congress, therefore, by act of March 3, 1863, abolished the Corps of Topographical Engineers. The fifty-two officers, who proudly wore  the old English TE, should now wear Essayons. All Engineer's were now one corps.

Figure 01.01.41.1:  3 branches on the guard attach to the knuckle bow 

Figure 01.01.41.2: N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield 

Figure 01.01.41.3:  Gilt brass TE (Topographical Engineer) shield

Figure 01.01.41.4: Reverse has a gilt brass Ames plaque 

Figure 01.01.41.5:  Reverse shown in sections

Figure 01.01.41.6: Obverse shown in sections 

Figure 01.01.41.7: Etching patterns 

Figure 01.01.41.8:  Reverse

Figure 01.01.41.9:  Inside view showing extra branch

Figure 01.01.41.10:   Unerside of guard