One of 4 ordered Officer sabers by the State of PA - Preview
P - marked 1833 dragoon. The only example known to have survived of the 4 ordered by Pennsylvania.
Manufactured: Springfield, Mass.
Maker: N.P. Ames
Year: 1840
Model: 1833 dragoon
Size: 34.2 inch blade
Condition:
This sword was found packed in grease. The blade is factory polished mirror bright. The grip is high quality leather not sharkskin. The only marking on this sword is a P on the quillon. It is discussed in John Thillmann's book - Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers page 57 - 58. At the time we photographed it and examined it the grease had been removed from the blade and scabbard but remained on the guard, grip and pommel. Since then and after carefully removing most grease from the hilt, it became obvious that the sword does have a light gilt as can be seen in the photographs. It also shows slight signs of actual use - wearing the gilt off parts of the backstrap and branches. The wire wrap is two strand heavy twisted wire, not Dragoon wire as thought. The blade is factory polished, mirror bright. (Perhaps because the Ordnance Department instructed that these were not to have the "United States Dragoons" blade markings). Ames might have polished these markings out leaving a much better finish than that of an enlisted blade finish. It appears that this sword was packed in grease after it had been carried (not at the time of manufacture). It most likely was quickly replaced by the actual model 1840 and remains in almost new condition. This plus the fact that we have seen the Pattern marked saber leans heavily toward this being one of the 4 Dragoon Officer swords ordered at a reduced price by the State of PA in 1840. We noted that they were to have no United States Dragoon blade markings, the leather grip instead of sharkskin, the lack of dragoon wire and very light gilt would explain the reduced cost by the $5 as charged. The lined scabbard and red wool washer over the leather washer also point to the model being sold as an officer sword. The scabbard carries M.P.L / ORD & WS inspector markings on the drag. A true one of a kind.
Figure 01.01.16.1: Overview showing bright steel scabbard and mirror polish on the blade.
Figure 01.01.16.2: WS inspector on Drag
Figure 01.01.16.3: M.P.L / Ord. markings on drag
Figure 01.01.16.4: Note: Gilt over brass on hilt as well as the p on the quillon
Figure 01.01.16.5: Leather grip with heavy 2 strand twisted brass wire - not Dragoon wire.
Figure 01.01.16.6: Bright finish steel scabbard with buff leather liner.
Figure 01.01.16.7: Bright finish steel scabbard with buff leather liner.
Figure 01.01.16.8: Reverse showing at the juncture of the blade and hilt - some of the dark grease this sword was packed in.
Figure 01.01.16.9: Note: Gilt finish worn from backstrap
Figure 01.01.16.10: Recessed capstan nut in pommel
