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According to the article "The U.S. Dragoons and Their Sabers" by Armstrong in the American Society of Arms Collectors' bulletin 56, only
34 of these N.P. Ames Dragoon Officer's Sabers were ordered.
LOT 1226
Exceptional Historic Gilt N.P. Ames United States Dragoon Officer’s Saber and Scabbard Presentation Inscribed from N. Brewer to W.H.S.
Smith on July 13th, 1846 - This same pattern is shown on pages 39 and 112 of “The Ames Sword Company, 1829-1935” by Hamilton and noted as
“Dragoon Officer’s Sabre, pattern 1833.”These rare sabers are also discussed in “The U.S. Dragoons and Their Sabers” by Armstrong in the American
Society of Arms Collectors’ bulletin 56 where Armstrong indicates that only 34 of these distinctive officers sabers were ordered. They were ordered by the
Ordnance Department and then purchased by the officers. The 33 inch curved quill-back blade has a very attractive etching, including “N.P. Ames/Cutler/Springfield” on the right along with a stand of arms and federal eagle motif and “United States Dragoons” and a Native American warrior attributed as representing Tecumseh on the left. The gilt brass hilt has a shagreen wrapped grip. The gilt brass scabbard is engraved
with foliate patterns and a federal eagle and shield motif on the outside, and the reverse has as a raised scroll marked “N.P. AMES/CUTLER/SPRINGFIELD/MASS.” and the presentation inscription “Memor Et Fidelis./N. Brewer/to W.H.S. Smith/July 13th/1846.” The motto means “Mindful & Faithful”. The identities of the men involved are not clear given the use of initials and lack of additional identifying information. Neither man is listed with a military rank, but July 13, 1846, places the presentation of the saber during the Mexican-American War during which the U.S. Dragoons fought in the various campaigns. This sword was presented just a few days after the capture of San Francisco, California, by American forces. There was Colonel Nicholas Brewer (1789-1880), a veteran of the War of 1812 and treasurer of the Old Defenders of Baltimore/The Defenders of Baltimore in 1814, an association of the men who defended Baltimore during the War of 1812. They had a meeting a couple of days before the date on the sword, so perhaps the sword relates to that organization.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with mostly bright blade displaying distinct etching, a patch of oxidation staining, and minor age and storage related; bright gilt hilt with minor dings and scratches, light wear on the grip, and bright scabbard with some minor dents and scratches. Overall, a very rare U.S. Dragoon Officer’s Saber. Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
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