N.P. Ames 1833 Dragoon Officer's saber

[kanemono]

Here is an N.P. Ames 1833 Dragoon Officer's saber that is in a museum collection. I was given permission to photograph the saber for a book I am writing. I was also given permission to share it here on the forum. Congress authorized the U.S. Army to form a mounted infantry regiment on March 2, 1833 and it was designated the First Regiment of Dragoons. Unlike cavalry, dragoons rode to the scene of action and fought dismounted. The Dragoons were utilized primarily against Indians in the Southwest. On May 23, 1836 Congress authorized another mounted infantry regiment formed and it was designated the Second Regiment of Dragoons. The number of enlisted in both regiments totaled 1,430 with sixty-eight officers. Only 34 officer’s sabers were ordered in the initial Government contract accounting for the limited number of M1833 Dragoon Officer sabers that currently exist. The officer's sabers were ordered by the Ordnance Department, but purchased by each individual officer. The M1833 Dragoon saber was based on the 1822 British cavalry pattern. The hilt of the officer’s saber is gilt brass with an uncapped and recessed capstan nut of the spanner type as found on most Dragoon sabers. The grip is sharkskin with Dragoon twist gilded wire. The etched blade has a floral design, a stand of crossed American flags with a Liberty Cap pole. This is followed with more floral work, Lady Liberty also with a Liberty Cap followed by a Federal Eagle and a theater drape. The reverse starts with floral designs, a stand of Arms with N.P. Ames / Cutler Springfield in very tiny dry needle etching which is a very unusual blade mark. Next the etching proudly displays a panel reading; United States Dragoons which is followed with an American Eagle with stars above, Rays and a theater drape. The scabbard is the standard iron pattern with split rings.

 

 

[Dirk]

Just stunning.....and so rare.....thanks Dick for showing us this example.

[sundance]

What a beauty. What can you tell us about your book?

[SARGE]

A very nice photo montage of the M1833 Dragoon Officer Saber. Can you share with us which museum collection that this excellent example is in?

 

Thanks for posting it.