Model 1850 U.S. Foot Officer's Sword
Artist
N. P. Ames Company
Date1865–1872
Mediumnickel-plated steel, gilt brass, fish-skin and brass wire
Dimensions2.9 × 92.1 × 77.5 cm (1 1/8 × 36 1/4 × 30 1/2 in.), 1 lb, 1 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsBelow ricasso in script is "Ames Mfg. Co./Chicopee Ma(?)". Counterguard plate engraved within at quillon with initials "J. D.P.B." in ornate upper case script.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.329.1
DescriptionHighly polished steel, slightly curved single edge blade with gently rounded back & false edge. Both faces have wide shallow fuller extending to false edge & another slightly shorter one just below back edge. Obverse of blade frost-etched with scrolling foliation & martial trophy groups & letters "U.S.". Reverse similarly etched but eagle & "E.PLURIBUS./UNUM." replacing letters. Gilded brass 3/4-basket hilt with short, scrolled rear quillon bent towards back of blade. Single branch linking obverse base of quillon to ribbed knuckle guard. Space filled with pierced design of scolling floral tendrils & ascendant leaved branches. Terminal slotted for sword knot. Phrygian-helmet pommel with leaved spray on edge. Wooden spiralled grip, slightly swollen at mid-height, wrapped in black fishskin & twisted brass wire.
Label TextThis model of sword was mandated by army regulations of 1850, to be worn by all foot officers up to the rank of captain. American military practice at the time was highly influenced by France, and this model was closely based on French examplars of the period. Three variants of this model are on display here: one made by the Ames company in Massachusetts, one a Confederate derivative, and one a German import.ProvenanceMacIntosh collection (#1) purchased by the Museum in December 1970. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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