November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
Slightly curved imported steel blade with German kings head stamp on left side of ricasso, and etched "WH/HORSTMANN/&SONS/PHILADELPHIA" on the other, top of spine etched "Iron Proof". Right side of blade with etched 3/4 panel featuring arms motifs and an eagle "E. Pluribus/Unum" in a banner. The other side with arms motifs and a large "U.S.". Standard cast and chased brass hilt with pierced "US" guard, and shark skin grip wrapped with three strands of copper wire. Complete with blued steel scabbard with cast and engraved brass mounts. Very good condition, blade retains most of original polish with some areas of freckling, and darker spots. Hilt retains a mellow patina with some areas of wear. Grip excellent, with some light wear, and one small area of frayed wire. Scabbard retains almost all of blued finish, mostly turned to brown. The left side has one large dent, and another small one. Brass mounts remain a matching patina to hilt. For a similar example, see page 328 of "Civil War Army Swords" by John H. Thillmann.