Measurement: 7.5” by 9”
Material: Marble board quarter leather covers, MS, Ink
Condition: Scuffed, worn but very sound
Refrence: See The Ames Sword Company by John Hamilton, page 131.
Additional Information: “Memorandum Made in Europe 1840”
Journal book personally kept by N.P. Ames during his well-known European trip of 1840 penned in
an extremely neat, small, easily read hand [ink]. The front 8 pages are a lengthy account
of his May 7 to June 1 of ocean voyage…New York to London. With rough passage; uncomfortable
nights; many fine observations of ship and sea life… “spent an uncomfortable night, slept on
a sofa to get rid of cargo noise caused by bales & boxes rubbing when ship rolled”. “Had
hoped to get the famed “Great Western” but unable & took a smaller packet boat”.
IMPORTANT: 18 pages at back titled, “Memorandum Made in Europe 1840” with lengthy
highly detailed notes on “limitations of brass & iron ordinance for British service”. Also,
much about “mortars, howitzers; details of their mfr. Proof casting, flaws”. Information
regarding “preserving iron ordnance from rust & corrosion/ingredients for casting…shell dimensions
for British service; windage variances; fine details on new percussion small arms of British
service (with dimensions, wt., powder charges, etc.) & “pistol & musket for sea service details.
Details of materials used on gun carriages; also, “New Pattern Howitzer & Machine Used For
Getting Form Of Bore” with very fine pen and ink drawing; lengthy discussion and fine drawing
of a special press/ram for forging parts. There are 6 extremely interesting pen/ink drawings
of edged weapons in French Army Museum. Ames lists on 6 pages at center of journal expenses of
trip; very revealing! Purchases of swords, instruments, castings, military manuals, and CUTLERY
FROM FAMED ROGERS & SON, Sheffield. Especially intriguing are his very costly expenses for
dental work in London and 2 extremely high doctor’s bills. It was that dental work in London
that was the start of his physical and medical decline resulting in his death.
This is a unique account with so much more information than mentioned above. We have sold many
Ames manuscripts, documents, and letters over-the-years…this MS is not “just another” …it
is special. Ex. Norm Flayderman
