November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
This gladius-inspired sword has an overall length of 26-1/4", with a straight, unfullered, double-edged blade with median ridge, elliptical in cross-section and 20-3/4" long by 1-3/4" wide. On the obverse side of the blade near ricasso is stamped "[N. P.] AMES / CABOTSVILLE / MASS", while "U.S.N / 1842" is on the opposite side, indicating this fine example is one of the first completed in the multi-year contract. The 2-piece, cast-brass hilt consists of a grip with integral pommel, the grip portion molded to resemble scales or feathers, with three iron rivets on each side to secure the tang of the blade, while the pommel portion is a squat, ovoid shape bearing an American eagle with shield device impressed into it. Its D-guard consists of a broad strip of brass expanding from pommel to form a wide, flat counterguard thickened at its outside edges and with outward-scrolled quillon ending in a disk. A '33' rack number is stamped into the inside crossguard. The leather scabbard with original brass mounts consisting of throat with frog button and long drag or tip. CONDITION: The blade now a gunmetal grey with good edges to the blade, brass parts of the hilt and scabbard very good, but the leather of the latter has been expertly replaced. JLK