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RARE MODEL 1840 U.S. ENGINEER'S SWORD.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
RARE MODEL 1840 U.S. ENGINEER'S SWORD.
This very rare Ames regulation engineer's sword rarely comes to market. This example is from the famous Philip Medicus collection and is pictured in Norm Flayderman's book on swords from that collection. This is the only regulation American sword with Colichemarde blade. All 3 edges of blade have etched panels, including large panel which reads "U.S. Corps of Engineers". Flayderman described this sword in his text on pg 142; "A U.S. M1840 Engineer Officer's Sword having a gilded-brass hilt and a straight, three edged eppe, , tapering blade which measures 31-1/2-inches. It has a white raised finish with scroll and floral engraving. Two snakes, wounded around a staff, are on the lower obverse base. 'NP Ames/Cutler/Springfield' is marked at the reverse base; 'US Corps of Engineers' is found parallel to the blade, 9-inches from the reverse base. There are twenty-six stars on the counter guard, and one large star at the right of the counter guard. Again, one large star is found on the center of the knuckle guard. The sword has a plain, folding rear guard and brass grips that have been formed to simulate a coiled rattlesnake with its tail at the base. The scabbard is brass with a wide, brass throat and a brass tip with drag and frog stud having an American shield. Very rare sword; limited production." PROVENANCE: Philip Madicus and Norm Flayderman. CONDITION: Sword is in fine condition overall. Hilt is slightly bent at knuckle bow, as can be seen in photos, and retains over 50% orig gilt, as does frog button on scabbard. Blade is gray/white with scattered areas of staining. Etched panels are all discernible, as can be seen in photos. Flat areas of hilt and scabbard mounts have been cleaned and varnished. Leather veneer to scabbard body has small areas of restoration and re-dying. 4-48376 JS18