FINE ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR MODEL 1840 MUSICIAN SWORD AMES 1864 BRIGHT BLADE

Description

FINE ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR MODEL 1840 MUSICIAN SWORD AMES 1864 BRIGHT BLADE
FINE ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR MODEL 1840 MUSICIAN SWORD AMES 1864 BRIGHT BLADE
Description
Presented for the collector of Civil War edged weapons is this fine classic in the form of a Model 1840 Musician's Sword manufactured by the storied firm of N. P. Ames of Chicopee, Massachusetts. This sword is in untouched, uncleaned, as-found condition with a great patina. Derived from earlier French and German patterns, the 1840 family of swords served our Army for over two decades through the Mexican and Civil Wars and into the era of frontier Indian campaigns. The Model 1840 Musician's Sword, although intended for use by company drummers and buglers ( 4 NCO swords and 2 musician's swords were required to outfit a company), they were sometimes carried by NCOs. Although a functional thrust weapon, they were more often used as pointers, fire pokers, and switches to keep a wayward private in line. Annual contract deliveries were rather small in the 1840s given the size of our regular establishment and Ames was the sole supplier. However, as the ranks swelled with volunteers Ames and other manufacturers delivered thousands more. From 1847 to 1865, Ames delivered over 21,000 musician's swords under contract with 1864-1865 being the largest years in which 9,700 were delivered. This one is from that contract. The 28-inch blade on this specimen is in its original polish and is very bright. The characteristic cross grain is evident 1 inch in front of the ricasso. The obverse ricasso is marked with a nearly full Ames scroll mark reading, "MADE BY AMES MFG. CO. CHICOPEE MASS." The reverse ricasso is marked 'US C. S. L. 1864." These initials are of the final Federal inspector, Major Charles S. Lowell. The "C. S. L." inspection is also found on the leading edge of the hilt. "J. H." (arsenal inspector John or Joseph Hannis) is the inspection stamp found on the knuckle bow. The sword is tightly assembled. The scabbard exhibits some wear and crazing to the finish and the drag has become detached with some stitch separation (NOT uncommon with NCO and musician's swords), but it has miraculously stayed with the sword! The drag carries the inspection mark of "J. F." When sheathed with the drag in place one really can't tell that anything is wrong. The patina on the hilt and scabbard mounts has taken on a very nice mustard color. All told this is an above average Model 1840 Musician's Sword that would be perfect for a junior collector or one looking to complete their collection of the family of 1840 U. S. martial swords. Another Civil War blade from Brother Rabbit's hutch!
Payment
Please tender payment within 24 hours of the close of the auction or contact me for other arrangements.
Shipping
Shipping will be accomplished via USPS Priority Mail.  I will combine shipping on multiple purchases.
Terms of Sale
Please tender payment within 24 hours of the close of the auction.  Once you have won the item I will consider it yours.  Once payment is received your package will be shipped the next business day.  Please ask any questions or explore any concerns BEFORE the auction ends and within an appropriate timeframe to place a bid if you so choose.  I endeavor to describe items accurately and provide accurate photos.  Condition assessments are subjective; thus, I would invite you to study the photos and ask any questions you may have in order to make your own assessment of condition before bidding.  Thank you.
About Us
I take pride in offering a diverse assemblage of material from estates and old collections in addition to conducting all of my auctions in a NO RESERVE format with a low opening bid.  Thus, everyone has an opportunity to participate and win in an unbiased setting.
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