Description
This is a crisply marked US M1840 non-commissioned officer sword and scabbard made by the premier maker of the era, Ames of Chicopee, Massachusetts. It is the very last year of production for the pattern, 1865, and part of the final Civil War contract delivery. Very few are known to have survived. The pattern remained in service as a ceremonial weapon until general orders No. 77 dated August 6, 1875 discontinued its use. A modern version of this sword with steel scabbard is currently permitted for wear by US Army platoon sergeants and first sergeants; in practice it is rarely seen outside the 3rd Infantry Regiment (the “Old Guard”) and honor guards.
