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Scarce and Desirable Presentation 1840 Sword

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Scarce and Desirable Presentation 1840 Sword
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Scarce and Desirable Presentation U.S. Model 1840 Engineer Officer's Sword, with rattlesnake grip, 31-1/2'' rapier type blade, 37'' overall, in brass and leather scabbard with heavy gilt throat piece approx. 8'' long with protruding U.S. shield hanger lug, inscribed ''Presented to Lieut. A.J. Keith/by the Members of his Company as/a Token of Respect/and Affection''. Tapered triangular blade is heavily etched and marked ''U.S. Corps of Engineers'', and marked ''N.P. Ames/Cutler/Springfield'' near ricasso. Hilt marked with Engineer's castle, star quillion, and small star motifs; guard with Engineer's star and lightning bolt. Condition to sword is fine with light general corrosion that should clean to blade; etched portions are vivid as is U.S. Corps of Engineer markings. Grip retains approx. 95% heavy gilt. Inscription at throat of scabbard is clear, with light scuffs and scratches. Center section and chape appear to be added for repair purposes and of more primitive m!
fg. than the throat. In Peterson's book ''American Sword, 1775-1945'', on page 146, Peterson calls them out in 1973 as ''quite rare''. Est.: $2,500-$4,000.