LOT OF 4: 1840 PATTERN MUSICIANS SWORDS, ONE WITH ETCHED BLADE

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019

Lot consists of four regulation US Model 1840 Musician Swords. These straight-bladed swords were intended to be worn by company musicians and regimental bandsmen. Three are made by Ames and dated 1864. Two of these have regulation black leather and brass mounted scabbards. One is a commercially made private purchase sword by Horstmann with scabbard and scarce etched blade. (A) Obverse ricasso: "US / GWC / 1864". Reverse: Ames makers stamp in scroll. No scabbard. (B) Commercial version with longer ricasso and shorter 15" fuller. Obverse ricasso stamped Horstmann. Blade dry point etched "Philadelphia" in panel over floral scroll. Floral scrolls above with crossed flags. Etching extends 10". Reverse: Etched floral scrolls for 10". "W.H.H.&S." (William H. Horstman and Sons) dry point engraved in band at base above floral motif. Brass mounted black leather scabbard. (C) Obverse ricasso: "US / GWC / 1864"; Reverse: Ames address in scroll. Brass mounted black leather scabbard. (D) Obverse ricasso: "US / AHK (upside down) / 1864"; Reverse, Ames address in scroll. CONDITION: All blades rate very good, with good edges and points. (A) Bright with faint cross polishing at base. Age patina to hilt. (B) Bright, minor grey spots last 10" toward tip. Visible etching on thin frosting. Just minor, small brown spots on base of blade and lower hilt, which has a medium patina. (C) Bight mixed with thin light gray spots. Age patina to hilt. Scabbard shows crackling on lower half of obverse, but only small spot of finish loss just below throat. Minor dent obverse drag. (D) Bright metal with some scattered grey. Medium patina to hilt. Scabbard is poor, with finish loss, limp leather and repair 12" from tip and stains to throat. A nice group of regulation Civil War swords. The Horstmann with an etched blade is unusual.

Name

Value

Blade Length

(A) 28 - 1/4" (B) 28 - 1/4" (C) 28 - 1/4" (D) 28 - 1/4"

Overall Length

(A) 34 - 1/2" (B) 34" (C) 34 - 1/2" (D) 34 - 1/2"