Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Massachusetts — Dated 1855 — Inspector ADK
Original U.S. Model 1832 Foot Artillery Short Sword manufactured by Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts, and dated 1855, a strong pre-Civil War production example that saw continued service into the war years.
Adopted under the 1832 regulations, this distinctive short sword is often referred to as the “Roman Gladiator” due to its broad, leaf-shaped blade profile. Though intended as a defensive sidearm for artillerymen, in practice it was frequently used to clear brush and prepare gun positions in the field.
Markings
Ricasso marked:
AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE
Opposite ricasso:
U.S. / ADK / 1855
The ADK inspector stamp refers to Army inspector A. D. King, whose initials are encountered on mid-1850s Ames edged weapons. Additional inspection marks are present on the hilt.
Standard Features
Cast brass hilt
Eagle motif cast into the pommel
Fish-scale grip pattern
Broad leaf-shaped blade
Two fullers extending from the ricasso along the upper blade
Single fuller near the tip
Leather scabbard with brass mounts
Ames was the principal U.S. contractor for edged weapons in the mid-19th century, and 1855 production examples are desirable as strong antebellum pieces that bridge directly into Civil War service.
A classic artillery sidearm with solid markings and inspector attribution — an excellent representative example for any Civil War edged weapons collection.
includes shipping
Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Massachusetts — Dated 1855 — Inspector ADK
Original U.S. Model 1832 Foot Artillery Short Sword manufactured by Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts, and dated 1855, a strong pre-Civil War production example that saw continued service into the war years.
Adopted under the 1832 regulations, this distinctive short sword is often referred to as the “Roman Gladiator” due to its broad, leaf-shaped blade profile. Though intended as a defensive sidearm for artillerymen, in practice it was frequently used to clear brush and prepare gun positions in the field.
Markings
Ricasso marked:
AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE
Opposite ricasso:
U.S. / ADK / 1855
The ADK inspector stamp refers to Army inspector A. D. King, whose initials are encountered on mid-1850s Ames edged weapons. Additional inspection marks are present on the hilt.
Standard Features
Cast brass hilt
Eagle motif cast into the pommel
Fish-scale grip pattern
Broad leaf-shaped blade
Two fullers extending from the ricasso along the upper blade
Single fuller near the tip
Leather scabbard with brass mounts
Ames was the principal U.S. contractor for edged weapons in the mid-19th century, and 1855 production examples are desirable as strong antebellum pieces that bridge directly into Civil War service.
A classic artillery sidearm with solid markings and inspector attribution — an excellent representative example for any Civil War edged weapons collection.
includes shipping