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Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS
Notes on ordinance, weapons in the French Army Museum including drawings.
Heavy dental expenses are recorded which led to his untimely death.
Personal expenses, the voyage and much more…not just another Ames ledger.

Date/Period: 1840-1841


Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS

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

$6,350

281-180


Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS

Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS

Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS

Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS

Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS

Journal: Nathan P. Ames Observes Arms Making in Europe, Personally Kept MS

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