The 19.25″ wasp-waisted double-edged blade is marked by the maker on the obverse with an eagle over “N. P. Ames/Springfield,” and on the reverse is “U. S./1844.” The crossguard is inspector marked “J. H.,” and on the reverse is “W. A. T.” The blade has some staining and age spots mixed with original polish. It has no nicks and only a small area of light corrosion on the reverse near the hilt. The hilt shows very little wear and has sharp edges on the crossguard. The brass mounted black leather scabbard is missing the frog button, and shows several surface cracks and is tender at the tip. This sword is in far better condition than most and is desirable because with this “1844” date it would have seen action in both the Mexican and Civil War. RR Auction COA.
