“AMES SWORD CO

The sword, that romantic-symbol of mighty warriors and dashing buccaneers, has today found a humble home in Huron County. For more than 200 years, the Ames Sword Co. Has in its history designed the blades of swashbucklers and patriots alike. Even today, in the tiny hamlet of New London, Ohio, a meticulous staff fashions the intricate details of the sword’s head, grip and crossguard.

The ornate, intricately carved pieces produced there still conjure tales of royalty and great warriors riding to battle--even though the swords they’re producing these days aren’t weapons.

The N.P. Ames Co. Opened in 1791 at their factory at Chelmsford, Mass. In 1832 Nathan P. Ames signed his first contract wilth the U.S. Govt. For Foot Artillery swords. Ames also was the home of one of the largest brass, bronze and iron foundries in the country. They made cannon and rifled guns during the Civil War and many famous statues including the Minuteman Statue in Lexington, Mass. and the bronze doors for the U.S. Capitol. They also pioneered in nickel and gold plating for regalia and presentation swords.

Though the Ames family eventually left the business, it continued until sold to the largest regalia firm in the United States, The M.C. Lilly Company of Columbus, Ohio in 1935. The M.C. Lilly Company was sold to the C.E. Ward Company of New London, Ohio in 1951. In August of 1987 the C.E. Ward Co. Sold its "Sword" and "Fraternal" Divisions to Fraternal Supplies Inc. which revived the Ames name for its military and reproduction sword division while continuing manufacture of swords for fraternal organizations.

Today you can find the tradition of Ames quality at their factory in New London, Ohio.

The Company, with its rich history, is still a relative newcomer to New London, moving to the area in the 1950's. After a series of owners who changed names several times, the Ames name was revived in 1987 when Fraternal Supply Inc. purchased the Company. These days it’s more well known as Fraternal Supply and though it operates under both names, 70 per cent of its business and two thirds of its fifteen employees concentrate on providing costumes for fraternal organizations.

President Russell Sword plans to change that balance. "I think (sword making is) where we have to expand" Sword said, noting the declining membership of Masonic organizations will ultimately translate into a business slowdown. "I’d love to get a military contract," said the former Marine, who served for nine months in Vietnam. Founded just 15 years after America’s birth, Ames sword built its reputation as one of the country’s earliest weapons suppliers, producing cannons and guns during the Civil War as well. "Every sword you see from the Civil War was probably made by Ames or imported by Ames", said Howard Waddell, vice president of products and owner of Albion Armorers, a New Glarus, Wis. Sword Company.

Sword said his company is America’s oldest, having inked its first military contract in 1832. That relationship continued until World War Two when the company last enjoyed such a contract. When Sword came to the Company in 1995, he tried to renew the relationship by bidding on a Marine Corps contract. He was beaten out by a company farom India that underbid him by $100 per sword. Unable to get a military contract, Sword said these days Ames is taking a grassroots path into the military. The Company has contracted with a Virginia salesman to promote the more than 400 styles of swords they produce and is hoping service members will promote the Company’s reputation. The Ames Sword Company is hoping for a better future here in New London.