wdjensen123
Established Users
Hi there,
I am looking for any information about this saber I just got. Its an M1840 Ames Cavalry Saber dated 1846. NP Ames / Cabotville / 1846. US / NWP. Pommel marks NWP and another may be WAT.
Strange thing is that although it is not engraved on the hilt or blade like what I think they did to officer';s swords on special order, the hilt has traces of gold plating (conductive with voltmeter, not attacked by sulpher dioxide), and nickel plating that is peppered with black oxidized steel dots. (Nickel plating process was patented 1840).
Was this something special that was common by Ames, or perhaps done later. It has a name engraved on it "Jas Conway" for James Conway.
Were there 2000 or 2400 of 1846 dated sabers made?
It appears to have been made for the Mexican War, but the verbal story is, its from Virginia Confederate "Guards", whatever that is. Is it a unit with a roster? Might it be identified? How would I do it? I may sell it later.
The brass wire wrapping the handle is missing with traces left, and the grip wood is split lengthwise. Its very dirty and not shined up, I'm leaving it the way I found it. Leather grip and washer seem pretty good. 2 dents in lower scabbard, but sword goes in and out nicely.
Sincerely,
Bill Jensen
wdjensen123 at hotmail dot com
Washington State
I am looking for any information about this saber I just got. Its an M1840 Ames Cavalry Saber dated 1846. NP Ames / Cabotville / 1846. US / NWP. Pommel marks NWP and another may be WAT.
Strange thing is that although it is not engraved on the hilt or blade like what I think they did to officer';s swords on special order, the hilt has traces of gold plating (conductive with voltmeter, not attacked by sulpher dioxide), and nickel plating that is peppered with black oxidized steel dots. (Nickel plating process was patented 1840).
Was this something special that was common by Ames, or perhaps done later. It has a name engraved on it "Jas Conway" for James Conway.
Were there 2000 or 2400 of 1846 dated sabers made?
It appears to have been made for the Mexican War, but the verbal story is, its from Virginia Confederate "Guards", whatever that is. Is it a unit with a roster? Might it be identified? How would I do it? I may sell it later.
The brass wire wrapping the handle is missing with traces left, and the grip wood is split lengthwise. Its very dirty and not shined up, I'm leaving it the way I found it. Leather grip and washer seem pretty good. 2 dents in lower scabbard, but sword goes in and out nicely.
Sincerely,
Bill Jensen
wdjensen123 at hotmail dot com
Washington State