December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
Lot consists of: (A) Union Field Officer's Sword, (B) US Model 1840 Cavalry Sword, (C) Relic Cavalry Officer's Sword, (D) Luftwaffe Officer's Degen, (E) Japanese Army Samurai Sword. (A) The Blade of the Union Field Officer's Sword is made of steel, with even patina and scattered light marks throughout. The blade features an intrigue motif that has lightened considerably. The blade is unmarked. The grip is wrapped with a shark skin, which shows age and patina, and is wrapped with a twisted brass wire. The brass hand guard and pommel exhibit a dark, even patina. The grip and guard are not tightly fitted to the blade. The nickel plated steel scabbard shows even patina and scattered light marks throughout. A few small dents can be observed on the scabbard. CONDITION: Very good. (B) The blade of the US Model 1840 Cavalry sword exhibits a dark, even patina, as well as areas of old rust that have been cleaned off. A light motif can be observed on the blade, as well as an illegible maker mark. The grip is wrapped with leather, bound with a twisted brass wire, and exhibits cracking and light leather separation. The brass hand guard and pommel have an even patina with areas of white residue. The scabbard shows patina and white residue throughout the length. A crack is observed on the side of the scabbard. CONDITION: Good. (C) The blade of the relic Cavalry Officer's sword exhibits dark, even patina throughout, with no motif. The leather wrapped grip is missing the twisted wire wrapping, and shows cracking on the leather. The brass hand guard and pommel have an even, dark patina with scattered light marks. The scabbard is made of steel, with damage to drag area and surface rust throughout. CONDITION: Fair. (D) The blade of the Luftwaffe Officer's Sword is nickel plated, maker marked for the firm of "SMF", and has a "Luftampt" inspection stamp above the maker mark. The blade is bright, with very light runner marks and a few scattered light marks. The cross guard and pommel are made of aluminum, with a light patina in the recesses, but still retains its bright look. The swastika motifs have lost their original gilding, leaving the brass base metal showing. The leather wrapped grip is bound with a double aluminum twist wire. The scabbard shows scattered marks to the original blue leather wrapping, and the aluminum fittings remain bright and undisturbed. The original leather belt hanger is still originally attached to the two scabbard rings. CONDITION: Excellent. (E) The blade of the Japanese Army Samurai sword is brightly polished, with an attractive "Hamon", and only a few extremely small nicks near the tip of the blade. The grip could not be removed to inspect the tang. The grip is wrapped with a mum motif. The tsuba and other fittings are loose, which leads to skepticism that the sword may be parted together. The Army style metal scabbard is nicely painted, with only a few scattered light marks. CONDITION: Very good. D.W. CORRECTION: Further research has uncovered the following information. (A) Blade with faint acid etching with U.S., and various patriotic motifs. Maker's marking is worn but "BOSTON, MASS" still legible on right side of ricasso. Guard with cast and chased floral motifs pierced through. Scabbard is an inappropriate replacement, too long. (B) Blade of sword is etched with patriotic motifs. Made by Horstmann and Sons, Philadelphia and so marked on both sides of ricasso. "AJG" stamped on underside of guard and right side of pommel. "IK" carved into back of pommel. Sword has most likely been apart at some point. Scabbard appears to have been nickel plated. Missing throat. Split at seam along edge side of scabbard. (C) Early Pattern Confederate States Armory Cavalry Saber. Roman numerals on right edge of guard. Flaw in left side of blade. Single strand iron wire, which is mostly missing. Lap seam scabbard with loose brass bands and tight throat. Iron suspension rings and drag. As is proper, throat is secured by a peened pin on either side. Non matching Roman numeral carved into top of throat. Scabbard retains a fair amount of original red lacquer finish. A beautiful condition untouched Confederate cavalry saber. (E) Handmade Gendaito by Kunisada in fine World War II Imperial Japanese Army mounts. 23 - 1/2" blade in nearly full polish with significant delamination approximately 5" from bottom of habaki with other scattered areas, one major area approximately 15" from bottom of habaki. Mounts are excellent. Photos of signature added.