November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
One of only 240 produced between 1840 and 1856. There are only a few known examples remaining, one of which is in the West Point Museum. Straight tapered steel double-edged blade with partial single fuller on each side and etched. One side with scrolls and large "US", the other with scrolls and patriotic eagle with banner reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Gilt cast brass hilt with patriotic eagle and stars in relief on each languette. Guards decorated with stippled panels and relief flowers on both sides of each quillon. Cast brass grip with repeating roped patterns, terminating in an urn pommel with relief leaves. Pommel is marked with stamped inspector initials "R.H.K.W." and "J.H." for John Hannis or Joseph Hannis, arsenal inspectors from 1844-1864. Complete with steel scabbard with stud on right side, near top. Very good condition, blade has a grey patina and shows significant wear and polishing, some light marks from sharpening on both edges. Hilt retains 30-40% gilt finish overall, hilt and grip are loose. Scabbard retains a heavy brown patina with some areas of heavier patina. A very scarce and desirable pre-Civil War Ames contract sword made for West Point Cadets. Complete with a copy of "Collector's Guide to Ames U.S. Contract Military Edged Weapons: 1832-1906" By Ron G. Hickox.