December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
This beautiful Ames militia officer sword has a gold gilt knights head/helmet pommel with chain knuckleguard connecting to ovoid crossguard finial. White bone grips with palmette and channeling. Cruciform hilt with upper and lower langets in addition to the crossguard, with nicely cast floral motifs forming a scrolling wreath around a central five-pointed star with "Texas" stamped with one letter at each of the points of the star on both sides. Blade is 1834 configuration, double edged with central fuller. Scrolling floral elements etched on both sides. Obverse with Ames address drypoint etched in oval at base under langets. Acorns and oak leaves, crossed flags, liberty cap on pole under sunburst, etc. Reverse with floral scrolls and sprays, American eagle with motto ribbon overhead. CONDITION: Excellent. Blade with good edge and point. Etching vivid on nice frosting. A few minor gray spots. Gilt is very strong on the hilt. Gold washed brass scabbard is bright, free of dents, with Ames mark on reverse at throat. Floral engraving on obverse. Rings, two upper and one lower, in place. Throat missing. Helmet pommel slightly loose. Bone grips have slight play and a short vertical crack extending up on either side from tip of upper langet with slight shrinkage gap along langet edge. Although the use of a star on this sword was a stock pattern that could appeal to any, it might have particular resonance for officers of Mississippi or Texas, states that both used the single star on their flags and often on military insignia as the Civil War approached. Among collectors it has particular associations with the latter state. (SR) CORRECTION: Further research provided by the consignor reveals that this sword was appraised at $15,000 in 2004. It is stated in the written appraisal that this is the only known example of a Texas marked sword of this pattern.