Lot 141
Matched Pair of American Staff and Field Officers' Swords, 1860-1872. These were mandatory for all officers except medical staff, paymasters, mounted officers of infantry, cavalry and light artillery. Extremely light, blade is straight (one is diamond-shaped in cross section), tapers evenly to within an inch of the point. The blade appears to be unetched. The grip is covered with black skin and is wound with three strands of gilded ornamental wire. At both ends of the grip are ferrules with geometric decoration. All metal parts of the hilt are of gilded brass. The pommel is a section of an inverted cone, decorated with an eagle on one side and a shield on the other. A separate cap covers the pommel which is decorated with leaves and berries. The knuckle-bow is a strip of brass ornamented with a scroll and pierced for a sword knot where it joins the pommel. In the center of the knuckle-bow, there are futher floral decorations. A kidney-shaped counter-guard is ornamented on the side toward the hilt with an American eagle and a trophy of flags. The scabbard is of nickeled steel and gilded brass mounts consisting of an upper bank with two rings, a middle bank with one ring, and a tip with a drag. Size: 34½" overall, blade 28" by 5/8" wide at the hilt.
Published: The American Sword 1775-1945 by Harold L. Peterson, #86. Lot of 2 sabers. Estimated Value $400 - 600
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| Realized $600 |
