Sword w/scabbard: U.S. on quillon

1850-1870

Place madeChicopee, Massachusetts, United States, North America

Steel, brass, fish skin; steel

Overall: 39 3/8 x 4 1/4 x 3 3/8 in. ( 100 x 10.8 x 8.6 cm )

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Guarnieri

1964.14ab

According to the accession records, this sword was "secured by donors from an aged man." Otherwise, its history is unknown.

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; brass half-basket hilt with openwork flower and scroll design incorporating initials "US" on obverse side, and quillon with globular finial with scroll motif incised on flattened sides; grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; helmet-shaped pommel with leaf border centering a flower; steel scabbard with two carrying rings and slightly asymmetrical drag.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade below hilt: "Ames . . . / . . ." etched: on reverse of blade: "U. S."

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD