Sword and scabbard

1832-1850

Place madeSpringfield, Massachusetts, United States, North America

Steel, brass, wood, silver, gilding; steel

Overall: 38 7/8 x 4 7/8 x 2 5/8 in. ( 98.7 x 12.4 x 6.7 cm )

Gift of the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York, through Major Kenneth Miller

1953.152ab

In 1832, the United States adopted this type of sword, which is based on an English pattern, for general officers and their staffs. It remained the standard weapon for these officers until 1850. The scabbard in this case is probably not original.

DescriptionSword with straight, double-edged steel blade with etched designs on obverse and reverse and a narrow central fuller that runs from ricasso almost to point; gilded brass hilt with wooden grip carved with narrow ridges and covered with a shell of silver; cross quillons with rounded ends, each decorated with an eight-pointed star; heart-shaped counter-guard cast separately, with heart-shaped piercing below knuckle-bow and beaded edge on obverse side; knuckle-bow with beading in recessed panel at center of either side; ovoid pommel made in two pieces; steel scabbard with two carrying rings and symmetrical drag.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade: "N. P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD