May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
Attractive Civil War Model 1852 US Navy Officer's sword with original leather sword belt and buckle. The sword has descended from the family of Commodore Stephen Decatur and according to descendants of the Decatur family, this excellent example of a M1852 sword belonged to Stephen Decatur (1814-1876), a 19th century American naval officer whose career spanned from 1829 to 1876, and nephew of Commodore Stephen Decatur (1779-1820). Crafted from high quality steel, the blade stands out with beautiful frosting that extends for over half its length. Within the frosting, the blade is also adorned with simple yet distinct acid etched decorations and naval motifs. The obverse blade features a crisply etched panoply of arms, followed by a vignette of stars, and anchor contained in a scrolled vignette, endling with a sprawling palmette just above the maker mark which is neatly etched just above the ricasso. The blade is marked "Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass" and the ricasso is dated "1852". The reverse blade is decorated with similar motifs which include thick nautical rope which is intertwined with lush oak leaves and acorns, a scrolled banner with the letters "U.S.N.", a fouled anchor, ending with a patriotic spread winged federal eagle that is perched on a naval cannon. The ricasso is inspector marked "R.B.H.". The blade is followed by an elegant brass guard which is cast and chased. The guard mirrors the decorations on the blade, as the banner with the letters "USN" is laid neatly over a rich detritus of oak leaves and acorns. The guard also features a serpent shaped quillion as well as a knucklebow which curves in the shape of a serpent. The grip features a grooved, center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in high quality rayskin. The skin is tightly bound to the grip with brass wire that fits neatly in the grooves of the handle. The brass pommel is decorated with scrollwork of oak leaves and acorns and features a spread winged eagle contained in a vignette of stars. The sword is complete with its leather scabbard which features brass mounts and a serpent shaped drag. The ring mounts are in the design of thick nautical ropes. The upper mount is marked "AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS". The sword is accompanied by a Civil War US Navy Officer's leather belt and buckle. CONDITION: The blade remains bright and exhibits scattered areas of spotting. The frosted decorations remain nearly unmolested with areas of surface rust and pitting on the ricasso. The guard, knucklebow, and pommel remain attractive with remnants of bright gilding. The grip is in superb condition and the brass wire remains tight. There is a crack in the rayskin where it was wrapped exposing the wood that runs the length of the grip. The scabbard is in equally good condition. The mounts remain bright and exhibit scattered blemishes especially around the ring mounts. The drag is slightly loose and exhibits scattered scratches. The leather exhibits various scuffs and scratches but remains firm. The belt exhibits heavy creasing and areas of cracking but remains pliable. The buckle exhibits a nice patina and slight areas of tarnishing and oxidation which could be cleaned. This is a very nice set with the sword being a most appealing example. Overall very good. PROVENANCE: This sword descended through the Decatur family and have been consigned by a descendent. A notarized statement verifying this information and signed by the family, is included. JLD