The N.P. Ames Company opened its doors in 1791 at their factory at Chelmsford, Massachusetts. In 1832 Nathan P. Ames signed his first contract with the United States government for Foot Artillery swords. Thus began the tradition that exists to this day at America's oldest sword manufacturer.

Ames entry into the field was almost an accident as Nathan Starr gave up making swords in favor of guns. This accidental beginning resulted in a change of product for Ames which has overshadowed many other accomplishments of this company which became America's foremost supplier of edged weapons for over a century.

While noted for its swords, Ames also was the home of one of the largest brass, bronze and iron foundries in the country. Notable work included cannon and rifled guns during the Civil War, many famous statues including the MINUTEMAN statue in Lexington, Massachusetts and the bronze doors for the United States Capitol. Ames also brought nickel electroplating to the United States and pioneered in nickel and gold plating, particularly for regalia and presentation swords. Dabbling in everything from guns to locks and ice skates, Ames was at the forefront of the industrial revolution and was a company that did not shy away from innovation or improvement, though never at the expense of quality.

The most prolific American sword makers over the longest period of time, the Ames factories turned out more models in larger quantities than all other American makers combined... before or since.

Their swords carried by enlisted men and officers alike saw service from obscure frontier Indian skirmishes to every famous battle fought by American military and Naval forces from the swamps of Florida and the plains of Texas in the early 1800's to the great battle fields of Europe in the twentieth century. The first presentation swords ever commissioned by Congress to honor heroes of the Mexican War were contracted to The Ames Sword Company.