US 1840 Pattern Militia Officers’ Dress Sword by Ames

This is a very handsome sword that measures 36 7/8" overall, with a 31 1/8" straight, single-edged blade having 2/3 length etched panels and narrow single fullers.  The blade has an overall pewter gray patina with thin freckling along both faces.  The etched panels depict floral scrollwork and martial panoplies, with an American Eagle and "E Pluribus Unum" riband on the obverse, stand of flags with "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass." above the ricasso on the reverse.  The brass hilt has reversed quillons, American Eagle clamshell counterguard, bone panel grip and knight’s head pommel.  The brass retains quite a bit of the original gilt finish, although the wire grip wrap is no longer present, and the double chainlink guard is fastened to the quillon by a modern split-ring.  The sword is housed in the original brass and gilt scabbard that has retained most of the original gilt finish, with a few dents along the body.  This is a very nice, high grade Ames sword, and is in very good condition overall.