December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
Officers of the United States Revenue Marine, precursor to the US Coast Guard, were armed with standard US Navy pattern swords before 1870 and again starting sometime between 1889 and 1896. Within that period they carried this pattern of sword distinct to their service. The etched blade is tapered, double edged, and bears a spearpoint tip. The gilt brass hilt has a leaf-draped pommel, rayskin wrapped grip bound with twisted brass wire, a downturned obverse counterguard cast with an eagle representing the arms of the US, spread-winged, clutching arrows and olive branch with clouds and stars overhead, and a short, blank. stippled counterguard on the reverse. Quillons of crossguard end in deeply cast and chased scrolls with "U.S.R.M." on the obverse quillon block. Blade is etched on reverse with "Ames / Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass" maker name, with scrolling floral and rope motifs on a frosted panel with drypoint etched USRM crest between. Obverse etched with perched eagle, with floral and rope scrolls above, between which is etched. "U.S.R.M." in Old English. Scabbard is black leather with brass mounts. Upper mount has floral cast fastening stud over the USRM crest consisting of a shield with scales over an inverted chevron with stars and a key. Middle mount is engraved with a fouled anchor. CONDITION: Excellent, with bright, vivid blade etching, some gilding left on the hilt, middle and lower mounts. Blade has a few very small gray spots near the tip. Scabbard mounts lack carrying rings, with virtually no sign of their presence. Scabbard is very good with just two fingernail size spots of finish loss. See Peterson for further details on this regulation US sword.