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US M1850 STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD & BELT

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,750.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,200.00 USD
US M1850 STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD & BELT

BELONGING TO COLONEL IRA WASHINGTON AINSWORTH.
This fine grouping features a M1850 Staff & Field Officer’s sword measuring 38 1/2" overall with a 30” blade. The blade is etched over 2/3 of its length with various military, patriotic & foliate motifs. The spine of the blade near the ricasso is etched “IRON PROOF”. Gilded brass hilt featuring an elaborate semi-basket guard with cutout foliate motifs & large “US”. Laurel leaf embellished pommel with officer’s gold gilded sword knot attached to the knuckle bow. Wire wrapped sharkskin grip. Gilded brass mounted iron scabbard. Mounts are etched with foliate & floral motifs. The belt is a high-grade pre-war New York Staff Officer’s belt featuring a heavily gilded sword belt plate with an applied silver wreath surrounding the letters “NY”. Both the buckle & keeper are stamped “18”. The belt has no sword straps but the suspension loops are present. The belt is housed in its original box with a label that reads “N.Y. Regulation SWORD BELTS”. The name “I.W. Ainsworth” is written at the top of the label in period ink. Ira Ainsworth was born in Vermont in the year 1814. He was, by profession, a wholesale grocer and later became the Colonel of the 10th New York State Militia. His fine belt & sword were likely purchased when he became Colonel of the 10th as they reflect pre-Civil War quality and manufacture. The 10th was mustered into volunteer service in the Civil War as the 177th New York Infantry late in 1862. At this time, Ainsworth was appointed its Colonel. The regiment served in the 3rd Brigade of General Sherman’s division in the Department of the Gulf. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a page with information on Colonel Ainsworth and two modern copies of photographs of the Colonel. CONDITION: the blade exhibits areas of original factory polish. The hilt is undamaged and retains much original gilding. The grip shows light wear and is 98% complete. The knot shows light wear. Scabbard mounts retain traces of original gilding mixed with a wonderful mellow mustard patina. The scabbard body has just a couple of very minor shallow dents. The belt shows light overall wear and remains quite strong. The buckle is absolutely stunning. The box shows moderate wear and has no lid. (02-19360/BF). $3,500-4,200.