Lot 2277

RARE! PRE-CIVIL WAR U.S. M1840 NCO SWORD BY AMES MFG CO. DATED 1849

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RARE! PRE-CIVIL WAR U.S. M1840 NCO SWORD BY AMES MFG CO. DATED 1849

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Current Bid: $35

(4 Bids)

by Bradford's
June 28, 2026 9:00 AM MST
Timed Auction
15210 N 99th Ave
Sun City, AZ, US 85351

RARE Pre-Civil War U.S. M1840 NCO Sword by Ames Mfg Co. Dated 1849. Produced by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and dated 1849, this example represents government contract production pre Civil War. Features a 32in straight, single-edged blade with a broad fuller. Ricasso is stamped “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS,” along with the U.S. acceptance mark “U.S. / W.D. / 1849.” The inspector’s initials “W.D.” are attributed to U.S. Ordnance sub-inspector William D. Whistler. The hilt features a brass guard with double disc counterguard and D shaped knucklebow with the inspectors initials also. The grip is cast brass with integral ribbing. The leather washer is present and intact. Does not include scabbard. Keywords: Edge Weapons, Collectible; Ref: BD3286

  • Provenance: Examples dated 1849 are particularly scarce within the production of U.S. regulation swords, especially those manufactured by the Ames Manufacturing Company. This date falls just after the Mexican-American War and just before the dramatic increase in demand brought on by the Civil War, placing it in a narrow window when government orders were relatively limited. Although Ames began producing these swords around 1845, output through the 1850s remained modest, often only a few hundred per year, reflecting the small size of the antebellum U.S. Army. In fact, there were even years during this period when no orders were placed at all.
  • Dimensions: 38in overall
  • Medium: Steel, Brass
  • Circa: 1849
  • Condition: This piece is in good overall condition, showing age appropriate wear. The blade retains a smooth, even patina, with clear and legible markings. The brass hilt is intact with an attractive, untouched patina, and the grip remains well defined with no losses. Please review the photos for details and condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

LOCAL PICK-UP INFORMATION:
Buyers can pick-up up their purchased lots locally at Bradford's Auction Gallery or have their items shipped. Local pick up is available upon payment of the invoice. There is no fee for local pickup however, storage fees may apply for items not picked up.

LOCATION: Bradford's Auction Gallery
HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
ADDRESS: 15210 N 99th Ave Sun City, AZ 85351
CROSS STREET: (Located at the NW Corner of 99th Ave and Greenway Rd)

OUT OF TOWN SHIPPING INFORMATION:

JEWELRY & COINS:
Domestic Invoices that only contain jewelry or coins will be shipped in-house. Bradford's will ship jewelry and coins domestically via fedex and usps flat rate shipping. A minimum shipping charge of $25 will apply for any items shipped in-house. Any invoices that contain additional items would be turned over to a 3rd party shipper.

ARTWORK & OTHER ITEMS:
For out of town buyers, once we have received your payment your purchase can be be turned over to a 3rd party shipper. Bradford's will automatically release your lots to Westside Mail Center a local 3rd party shipper who specializes in shipping auction lots. Westside Mail Center will reach out to you to arrange packing, shipping and insurance. Please notify Bradford's immediately upon payment of your invoice if you prefer to ship with another 3rd party shipper other than Westside Mail Center.

They offer FedEx, DHL, UPS and USPS services for most parcels. For those larger items, Packing, Shipping, Crating & Freight services are available. For questions related to shipping please feel free to contact them directly for shipping questions or quotes.

Westside Mail Center
13794 W Waddell Rd Suite 203, Surprise, AZ 85379
Phone: 623-825-6016
Email: [email protected]
www.westsidemailcenter.com

SHIPPING TERMS
The winning bidder / buyer is solely responsible for the shipping. All fees and costs associated with shipping are separate from the hammer price (winning bid), buyer's premium and sales taxes. The winning bidder / buyer has the right to arrange their own shipping with a 3rd party shipper at their own expense if you prefer to use a shipper other than Westside Mail Center. All packing and shipping from any company besides Westside Mail Center must be arranged and coordinated by the winning bidder / buyer within 5 days from the date of the sale or an additional storage surcharge could apply. The cost of an item can affect the price of insurance, packaging materials and method of shipping however, shipping costs are based on size, weight, dimension, location, speed as well as other factors. Winning bidders / buyers are responsible for payment of auction invoices regardless of the cost of shipping as the winning bidder / buyer is solely responsible for the shipping and any costs associated. Sales are final and items cannot be returned to Bradford's or refunded due to shipping.

3RD PARTY SHIPPERS
Bradford's can assist the winning bidder / buyer by arranging shipping and insurance through a 3rd party shipper however, the buyer is responsible for obtaining quotes and scheduling pick-up. Bradford's Auction Gallery reserves the right to ship parcels via our own in-house shipping methods, based on actual weight or dimensional weight (whichever is greater).

Bradford's or the designated 3rd party shipper will ship to the address provided on the winning bidder / buyers invoice. It is the winning bidder / buyers responsibility to communicate with the shipper and provide any specific shipping requirements, address information or details that will ensure proper delivery. It is the buyers responsibility to verify and maintain update accurate shipping information including address within their bidding account.

The winning bidder is responsible for understanding the import fees and import laws of their respective province/state/country. It is also the bidder's responsibility to obtain any and all import documentation (import/export licenses, certificates or other documentation) prior to bidding.



LOCAL PICK UP - ARIZONA FIREARMS BUYERS
Arizona residents MUST pick-up in person at Bradford's Auction Gallery with a scheduled date of pick up. Details and information will be included on the winning bidders invoice. Any local Arizona Buyer of Post 1898 firearms MUST complete all necessary registration forms at Bradford's Auction Gallery. Local Buyers MUST have a Valid ARIZONA ID with Current Physical Address. If your Arizona ID does not reflect your current address you MUST provide us with a secondary form of ID that contains your correct address. Arizona Gun Dealers must have a signed copy of their Federal Firearms License in order to accept delivery of modern weapons. ANY DENIED BACKGROUND CHECK WILL RESULT IN A REFUND MINUS A 25% RESTOCKING FEE.

OUT OF TOWN SHIPPING FIREARMS BUYERS:
Shipping for Out-of-State Buyers must be done through our 3rd Party Shipper Westside Mail Center. All firearms Post 1898 must be shipped to a valid holder of a Federal Firearms License on ALL Modern Weapons. The full cost of shipping and packing will be at the winning bidders / buyers expense. It is your responsibility to provide Westside Mail Center with the FFL dealer of your choice and they are responsible for sending the 3rd party shipper a copy of their FFL information. FIREARMS UNABLE TO BE SHIPPED TO YOUR STATE WILL RESULT IN A REFUND MINUS A 25% RESTOCKING FEE AND SHIPPING COSTS IF APPLICABLE.

Bradford's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $199 $10
$200 $999 $20
$1,000 $4,999 $50
$5,000 $9,999 $100
$10,000 + $200