September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
An attractive and nicely kept Model 1850 foot officer's sword that was presented to a Maine officer. The sword features a striking blade that displays nicely etched panels adorned with foliate and patriotic motifs, often encountered on swords gifted to esteemed officers. The maker mark is etched above the ricasso and reads "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass." The blade remains bright with scattered blemishes, some of which are present on the motifs. The hilt features a guard with open floral scrollwork and a quillon adorned with a leaf. Pommel with laurel vines and tired cap. Generous amounts of original gilding are retained on the guard. The grip is of wood, grooved with center swell, and wrapped with high-quality sharkskin. Twisted brass wire is accommodated by the grooves. Complete with its black leather scabbard that features brass mounts. Mounts also retain nice amounts of original gilding with nice patina and scattered blemishes. Upper mount is marked "AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS". The mounts are tight on the leather scabbard body, which exhibits scattered creases and surface cracks. Drag slightly loose. The presentation is located on the upper mount and reads: "B. M. Flint / 6th Regt. Maine Vols./ from his Boston / friends / August 13, 1862." Benjamin Milton Flint was determined to serve in the war. Born in Massachusetts in 1812, he was a long-time resident of Calais, Maine, and 50 years old when he received a commission as a Lieutenant in Co. G 6th Maine Infantry on 8 August 1862, though being listed as 44 on official forms, the upper age limit permitted. He may also have wanted to keep an eye on his only son, Charles, age 20, who enlisted in Co. B on August 6. The regiment had been organized in 1861 and had seen active service in the Peninsular Campaign, fighting at Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Garnett's Farm, and White Oak Swamp as part of the 6th Corps, Army of the Potomac. During Flint's service, they took part in the Antietam and Fredericksburg campaigns. An obituary says that the rigors of army life "broke down his constitution," compelling him to resign his commission in March 1863. His son had risen from Private to 1st Sergeant and stayed with regiment, only to be killed in action at Spotsylvania in 1864, with his body unidentified and his name recorded as "missing." The elder Flint had been a farmer, postmaster, and was later an insurance agent. He died in Calais in 1890, predeceased that year by his wife, and survived by a married daughter. He was said to have been active in public affairs, and his funeral was attended by members of the Masons and the G.A.R. This is a great sword and touching memento of an officer anxious to serve and who sacrificed more than he perhaps bargained for. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: L: 38"