November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
This sword is the highest grade, finest condition specimen of a Model 1841 that is known. It features a slightly curved polished steel blade with pipe running the entire length of the blade. Each side features a 19" etched panel of decoration. The right side has an eagle with an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in its beak, a sailor with a telescope in the mast, as well as musical instruments and arms motifs. Etched near the ricasso is "N.P. Ames/ Cutler/ Springfield". The top of the blade is decorated with etched vines. The left side of the blade is etched with a ship of war, "US Navy" and a large fouled anchor. Gilt brass hilt with chased decoration overall including the folding guard which is decorated with leaves and acorns on a stippled ground; the other side with a plain, folding counterguard. Sword features acorn quillons and an eagle's head pommel with faceted backstrap. Detailed carved ivory grip with relief feathers engraved with detailed shading and a rope design around the base followed by a gilt brass ferrule with floral decoration. The sword is complete with original black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts, decorated with applied chased adornments. The drag features a series of leaves and acorns. The center mount with a fouled anchor and the throat mount's frog stud is chased with a fouled anchor. The left side of the throat mount has an applied plaque marked "N.P. AMES/ MAKER/ CABOTVILLE MASS." CONDITION: Excellent. Blade retains nearly all of its original polish with only a couple small grey freckles. The hilt retains approximately 90-95% original gilt finish with some high edge wear on pommel, backstrap and counterguard. Ivory grip is excellent but due to shrinkage there is a small gap between the top of the grip and backstrap. Grip has some minor crazing from age near the ferrule. Scabbard has some minor cracks due to age and retains almost all of its original finish. The mounts retain about 85-90% of the original gilt finish with some wear on higher areas. This is an extremely rare specimen in extraordinary condition.