- Created by
- Ames Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1791
- Date
- 1861-1865
- Medium
- brass (alloy) and steel
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: Handle: 7 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (17.8 x 11.4 x 6.4 cm)
- H x W x D: Overall: 32 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (81.3 x 11.4 x 6.4 cm)
- H x W x D: Blade: 26 x 7/8 x 1/4 in. (66 x 2.2 x 0.6 cm)
- Description
- A plain single-edged model M1840 steel sword without decoration and a distinctive turned-down reverse guard. The hilt has an urn-type pommel and single branch counterguard. The keystone mark on the ricasso is an Emerson & Silver keystone. The 26-inch blade is five or six inches shorter than a standard 31- or 32-inch NCO blade. A short blade normally identifies a sword as one carried by an officer of short stature, cadets, etc. The number “54” is stamped into the interior of the double clamshell guard. The sword shows no signs of wear.
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Weapons and Ammunition
- Type
- swords
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.4.4
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




