This sword was manufactured by N. P. Ames in Springfield, Massachusetts and sold to the state of North Carolina. We know this due to the large stamped NC on the sword’s quillon. Beside this large stamping is a small W S, for William Smith, the inspector. Only 6100 of these Model 1833 Dragoon swords were made, mainly for U.S. troops but some, like the example shown here, were sold to individual states to arm their militias, including Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Massachusetts.

As expected, the hilt is lacking the U.S. ordinance inspection marks seen on U.S. government purchases. The brass has a smooth even patina. The grip has no wire; 85% of the leather remains on the grip wrap. The guard remains completely tight. The leather throat washer is a replacement.

The Ames name and address, and the date 1837, though faint can still be seen read near the ricasso. Much of the engraving was removed by cleaning at some point, but has patinaed back nicely since. Some light carbon staining can be seen. The blade is nice, but has a few edge nicks; the tip has not been broken or repointed.

The scabbard, though correct for this pattern, has the U.S. ORD. mark stamped into the drag. This means that this is likely not the original scabbard in which this sword was shipped to North Carolina. The scabbard has several large pushes on each side, likely from having been shut hard in doors. At one of these locations on the obverse side near the bottom of the scabbard, a section about an inch in length has slightly opened (See photo). The scabbard remains strong with complete structural integrity.