215 - AN IMPORTANT U.S. MODEL 1832 FOOT ARTILLERY SWORD, N.P. AMES, SPRINGFIELD, DATED 1844, ENGRAVED FOR ACUSHNET LODGE NO. 41, I.O.O.F., NEW BEDFORD

AN IMPORTANT U.S. MODEL 1832 FOOT ARTILLERY SWORD, N.P. AMES, SPRINGFIELD, DATED 1844, ENGRAVED FOR ACUSHNET LODGE NO. 41, I.O.O.F., NEW BEDFORD A U.S. Model 1832 Foot Artillery short sword manufactured by N.P. Ames, Springfield, Massachusetts, dated 1844 and subsequently finely engraved for Acushnet Lodge No. 41 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, New Bedford, Massachusetts. The straight double-edged steel blade with characteristic broad central and subsidiary fullers, extensively engraved on both sides with floral sprays, ornamental devices and inscriptions, including "New Bedford" and references to Acushnet Lodge No. 41. Adjacent to the lodge inscription is a small panel of finely hand-engraved cursive text, apparently comprising a dedicatory verse or poem. The forte is stamped with the Federal Eagle above "N.P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD" on one side and "U.S. / 1844" on the other. The brightly gilt brass hilt comprises a straight crossguard terminating in circular quillons and a cast grip molded with overlapping scale decoration, the pommel ornamented on both sides with Federal Eagle devices. Acushnet Lodge No. 41 was the first Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge established in New Bedford and was instituted on April 11, 1844, making the sword's U.S. 1844 date particularly noteworthy in relation to its later or contemporary lodge decoration. Dimensions: L: 25 3/8 in., (64.5 cm.) Condition: Light pitting throughout blade. Light patina to brass hilt, particularly guard. Hilt tight to blade. Etching well preserved. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.