November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
This dates circa 1870 and was replaced before 1895 by the standard Naval officer's sword of the period. Sword features a tapered double edge diamond section steel blade with long panels of etched decoration on both sides. The right side has a large Old English "U.S.R.M." as well as an eagle clutching a sword. Left side has the Revenue Cutter Service insignia and branches of oak leaves and acorns. Near the ricasso it is etched "AMES MFG/ CO/ CHICOPEE/ MASS". The gilt brass hilt features a large guard with a splayed American eagle below "USRM". The opposite side has a smaller counterguard with a stippled face. The olive shaped pommel features chased acanthus leaves. The grip is wrapped with white sharkskin and decorated with twisted gilt brass wire. Sword is complete with its black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts. The throat mount engraved with a scale, compass and key and the center mount engraved with a large fouled anchor. For more information about this sword, see page 172 through 176 of "The American Sword" by Harold Peterson. CONDITION: Excellent. Blade retains nearly all of its original bright polish with some minor grey staining on right side in etched panel. Hilt retains 98% original gilt finish with some high edge wear on pommel. Scabbard is very good with some crazing to surface and mounts retaining about 30% gilt finish, otherwise thinned and with a dark patina. Scabbard has small brass "RHM/ 516" tag hanging from top ring. This is a very scarce and desirable American sword.