December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
Scarce example of the standard pattern along with its scabbard. Gilt brass eagle pommel with backstrap. Reverse 'P' guard with curve at bottom. Deeply cast and chased floral elements with prominent acorns at quillon ends. Folding oval counterguard, stippled on reverse; obverse with oak leaves and acorns. Standard pipeback blade. Obverse blade etched with "N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield" at bottom amid latticework. Designs are foliate, fouled anchor, arms and vines with US shield, American eagle with ribbon, stars and sunburst overhead. Reverse with foliate, "United States Navy," arms and vines with liberty cap, American eagle, ribbon, stars and sunburst rays. Scabbard black leather with gilt brass mounts. Drag engraved foliate, middle mount with fouled anchor, upper mount with Ames plaque on reverse. CONDITION: Very good. About 90% gilt on hilt. Several slight hairlines to bone grip that is engraved with palmettes, grooved bands and diagonal channels. Grip is tight and stable. Rubbing and loss of gilt on reverse folding guard. Blade smooth metal with good edge and point. Frosting is very thin, but motifs are very visible. Some grey spots in etched sections, a few more above, slightly more on obverse than reverse. About 90% gilt on scabbard mounts. Minor horizontal crack lines across leather finish. Rings and stud in place. Nice detail to stud. A very good example of a hard-to-find regulation USN officer's sword. SR