This model 1840 light artillery sabre was manufactured by US contract by Ames Manufacturing Co. of Chicopee, Massachusetts and in 1863 5,300 of these sabers were manufactured. This sword is marked "A.D.K. on ricasso, which are the initials of the inspector A.D. King.  The grip is covered with leather and wound with brass wire.  The scabbard is metal and since identified as the type 2 it has a ring around the mouth of the scabbard, the type 1 doesn't.  Unlike the Model 1840 heavy cavalry saber the this artillery model 1840 has no basket guard.  The American model 1840 light artillery sabre was designed after the French model 1829 mounted artillery sabre.