December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
Regulation sword for officers of the US Revenue Marine, the precursor to the US Coast Guard. In use circa 1870 to circa 1890. Before and after that officers carried regulation USN swords. Cruciform hilt with wire bound sharkskin grip, USRM on quillon block, folding guard. Blade is double edged, oval in cross section, etched with floral motifs, anchor and American eagle on obverse, floral motifs US eagle and sailor smoking a pipe next to netting on deck with Shannon, Miller and Crane, New York dealer address at ricasso. Inscription on reverse folding guard: "Captain Alfred B. Davis / USRM / with kind regards / O.D. Conger / Aug. 9th 1883." Davis was from Wisconsin and had Civil War service, being promoted Captain July 11, 1864. CONDITION: Frosting and etching are good. Some greying overall. A few brown spots above the frosting to the tip. Brass has traces of gilt in recesses but shows mostly subdued with some dark areas and rubbing of gilt to show dark brass. Would likely clean well. Scabbard shows some roughness to black finish and rubbing to mounts, but engraved motifs of fouled anchor and USRM crest are very visible. rings and shell cast frog stud are in place. Like the sword, it would respond to cleaning. Presentations on these swords are scarce. SR. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.