Artist/Maker
Ames Manufacturing Company
(1834 - 1898)
Sword and scabbard
1840–1860
Place madeSpringfield, Massachusetts, United States, North America
Steel, brass, silver, gilding; brass, gilding
Overall: 1 1/2 × 38 1/4 × 4 3/4 in. (3.8 × 97.2 × 12.1 cm)
Gift of the Estate of Juliana Cutting
1944.183ab
DescriptionSword with straight, double-edged steel blade with narrow, almost full-length central fuller and etched designs on obverse and reverse; shell-shaped gilded brass counter-guard on obverse side with emblem featuring a standing figure holding a bow and arrow surrounded by a banner with Latin inscription; simple gilded brass cross quillons that taper slightly toward center; six-sided silver grips with oak leaf and acorn spray molded in relief on either side; gilded brass pommel in the form of a conventionalized helmet with chain attached below visor extending to end of quillons below; gilded brass scabbard with upper band with oval frog stud and two carrying rings, middle band with one carrying ring, and tip with rudimentary drag; engraved motifs on obverse of scabbard include an eagle atop a shield bearing the emblem of a raised arm holding aloft a sword, and military trophies with central pike holding a radiant liberty cap.Markingsetched: on reverse of blade near center: "E Pluribus / Unum" on banner (part of eagle insignia)
etched: on reverse of blade near hilt: "N. P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield"
impressed: on counter-guard: "ENSE PETIT PLACIDAM SU LIBERTATE QUIETEM"
in relief: on raised panel with scrolled ends on throat of scabbard (reverse side): "N. P. AMES / MAKER / CABOTVILLE MASS."
ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD
