U374.  PRESENTATION GRADE STAFF & FIELD SWORD:  Often I am asked if presentation grade swords were ever carried, well here is an example.  It shows wear from being carried, but not abused.  This is a silver hilt presentation grade sword.  It is an import, but has no maker or dealer marking, though it is marked "Iron Proof" on the spine of the blade.  The hilt has a great design with a fancy pommel cap with a US shield on it.  It has great untouched patina and is tight!  The red felt blade washer is present, but faded with age.  The blade is nick free and has very nice deep etching, but no original frosting.  It has nice gray patina in the low areas, which highlight the etching. There is not pitting or rust.  The metal scabbard retains all original mounts and screws and is dent free.  Overall, a great looking sword! $2195.00 SALE PRICE $2100.00

U375.  HIGH-GRADE NON-REGULATION BRITISH PATTERN 1822 CAVALRY OFFICER'S SABER:  This is a high-grade Non-regulation British pattern 1822 cavalry officer's saber with a gold washed hilt, and gold etched blade.  Simply the best example of this saber!  On a scale of 1-10, this is a 9.75!  The blade is Clauberg maker marked and "Iron Proof" on the spine, and retains the original blade washer. The hilt is tight and the grip is 100% original shark-skin and triple wire. The scabbard is brown metal with brass mounts. $2900.00

U315.  RARE - W.G. MINTZER, M1850 MOUNTED FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD:  This is a M1850 Foot Officers' sword from W.G.Mintzer, Philadelphia, PA.  During the Civil War Mintzer sold M1850 Foot Officers' swords with blade that were both purchased locally from other makers.  This saber has no marking on the spine of the blade and is most likely "US" made.  The hilt is tight with 100% shark-skin and double-strand wire, and great original patina.  The blade retains the original red felt washer, is nick free, with much original frosting and a few dark spots, but no rust or pitting.  The blade is etched "US" and an eagle, and dealer marked "MINTZER PHILDA," which is rare to find.  Also rare, is to find it in a metal scabbard used for mounted foot officers.  The scabbard has a dark attic patina and retains the original mounts.  It is missing a screw in each mount, but the mounts are tight with no movement. $1500.00

U369.  M1850 FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD by F. HORSTER: This M1850 Foot Officers' sword was made by F. Horster Soligen and is one of the best examples I have seen from this maker. The hilt is tight with 100% original shark-skin grip and double twisted wire.  The hilt and mounts all have a pleasing matching patina.  The original red felt blade washer is present on a 30 3/4" blade.  The blade is bright with much original frosting, a few dark spots, but nothing negative.  It has no nicks and never sharpened.  The etching is very nice with a crisp eagle and "US" and military motif. The scabbard is all original with complete stitching and no issues.  It has the expected crazing one would find on these scabbards.  It perfectly fit the sword.  Overall, this is an great sword and is equal to and better than most M1850 Foot Officers sword for sale.  $1500.00

U381.  UNMARKED (AMES) M1841 NAVAL CUTLASS:   The original contract for M1841 Naval Cutlasses was awarded to Ames and these swords were maker marked and US inspected.  However, Ames did product an unmarked/uninspected version of the cutlass for sale to state militia naval units, as well as those sold to the South before hostilities.  This cutlass is one of the rare unmarked versions totally void of the maker mark or inspection marks.  The blade has great patina and several blade-to-blade contact nicks.  The hilt has great patina and the numbers "36 over 8" and "151" are stamped in the guard as well as the letter "N."  This cutlass may have seen Southern use being void of the usually marks. $875.00 SALE PRICE $775.00

U387.  M1840 CAVALRY OFFICER'S SABER:  This is a M1840 Cavalry Officer's saber; it may be the work of an assembler who used fittings and a blade from another supplier.  The hilt is an example of classic prewar US style.  In all respects it is like the Ames 1840.  The guillion adornment is composed of a doric capital feature below acanthus leaves radiating fan like to the top edge of the quillion.  The two branches have the expected laurel leaf cast design.  The pommel cap is in the regulation Phrygian helmet pattern. The grip is shark-skin with braded wire. The entire hilt is tight, and generous amounts of original gold wash is still present. The mint-condition frosty blade is held tight by the original leather washer.  The 35 " blade is adorned with an Eagle, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" cross cannons, and a large US.  The scabbard is a style seen on Kingenthal made sabers. It is steel and believed to have been bright when made.  The chased mounts are all brass including the throat, suspension rings and drag. The ring mounts have a center heavy brass band with a scribed line border and are press or friction fit.  The scallop cut drag is cut the same as the bands, but secured with a screw.  This is a excellent example of a M1840 Cavalry Officer's saber. $4450.00

U394.  51st. ILLINOIS CHAPLAIN IDENTIFIED AMES MILITIA STAFF & FIELD SWORD:  This Ames Militia Staff & Field officers' sword is identified to Chaplain Lewis Raymond, 51st Illinois infantry.  The sword is Ames marked on both the blade and scabbard.  The bone handle grip is 100% complete and is tight, and the double chain is original. The cross-guard is designed with a flying eagle on both sides with clam shells on the top ends, and is still has a good about of gold wash.  Due to the blade washer being gone, the cross-guard has a little movement.  The blade has great etching with much original frosting throughout the entire panel, with some dark spots near the tip.   The scabbard still has some of the original gold wash, but mostly has a great brown patina.  On the scabbard is etched L. Raymond, and the initials L.R. are etched on the pommel cap band above the grip.  Included with the sword is a CVD of Chaplain Lewis, his military muster sheets and military record and unit history. 

Raymond enlisted on 10/1/1861and was commissioned into Field& Staff 10/15/1861, and resigned 11/6/1864.  The 51st was involved in several major engagements; Siege of Corinth, Stone's River, Chickamauga, and several engagements in Georgia.  He tended to the physical and spiritual need of his troops and is mentioned in several letters.  He was temporally put under arrest for meddling in the Mich 10th because he was encouraging troops to return home to recover.  He was eventually reassigned to another duty.  How often do you find a sword identified to a Chaplain from the Civil War?  This is a great historical piece.

U402.  M1860 AMES CAVALRY SABER- 10TH ILLINOIS FIELD PRESENTATION:  This Ames M1860 Cavalry saber has a field presentation hand etched on the blade.  It reads "Very Respectfully Presented to Soloman Carter Co, I 10th Illinois Cavalry" and on the reverse side "San Antonio Texas."  The saber has untouched dark brown patina on the brass.  The brown leather grip is 100%, but shows some wear and a missing section of wire.  The wire is not loose.  The blade is bright with no major blemished, and is inspected; maker marked, and dated 1864.  Solomon Carter enlisted on 1/5/1864 as a Private and mustered into "I" Co. Illinois 10th Cavalry and mustered out on 11/22/1865 at San Antonio, TX.  He was promoted to Corporal.$1350.00 SALE PRICE $1150.00

The following is some of the unit history after Carter joined the regiment.

January 12, 1864, the Regiment received, by the hands of Lieutenant Robert J. Bellamy, company D, from Mrs. E. S. Turner, of the Soldier's Christian Association, Chicago, a beautiful silk National flag, which upon the disbandment of the Regiment was deposited with the Adjutant General of the State.

The Regiment having re-enlisted was sent home for furlough, arriving at CampButler February 28, 1864. Its members were welcomed home by Governor Yates in a speech delivered in Representative hall of the Capitol, and after enjoying a dinner given by their lady friends of Springfield, dispersed to their various homes. Upon the expiration of furlough the men of the Regiment reunited at Camp Butler. It left Camp Butler, March 17, 1864, for Nashville, Tenn. Remained at Nashville but a short time when it was moved to Little Rock, Ark. Arriving at Little Rock without arms or horses, during the absence of General Steele on his expedition to cooperate with General Banks' Red River expedition, the Regiment, in the emergency for the defense of the place, was armed with muskets supplied with a six-gun rifled battery. Owing to the small number of troops present, it was on duty almost without rest day or night, until General Steele's return.

The non-veterans of the Regiment accompanied the expedition under General Steele, and actively participated, in its various engagements. The Regiment was stationed at Huntsville, Ark., in July, at Austin, Ark., in September and at Brownsville, Ark., in November, where it remained until the following March.  

During the summer and fall of 1864 and winter of 1864-65 detachments wereabsent almost all the time on various expeditions. July 14, 1864, 225 men being surrounded and attacked at Bayou Des Arc, near Seacry, Ark., by about 1200 rebels, cut their way out with a loss of two killed and twenty prisoners, a number of the latter being wounded. Successful skirmishes were had by detachments at Cypress Bayou, Austin, Cotton Plant, Springfield, West Point and other places.

January 27, 1865, the veterans and recruits of the Regiment were consolidatedinto nine companies and those of the 15th Illinois Cavalry into three companies and all reorganized into the Tenth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Cavalry. The Regiment being ordered to New Orleans, La., left Brownsville, Ark., March 16, 1865, and taking boats at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., was at Greenville, La., April 1. Upon receipt of intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln, April 15, the Regiment was ordered into the city of New Orleans and as a police force was given complete control. Its prompt and energetic action doubtless prevented a scene of confusion and bloodshed and made the city one of the most quiet in the Union on that eventful day, winning from the Commanding General a high compliment in general orders.

While at Greenville the rebel ram Webb passed New Orleans in its endeavor toget to sea; finding this impossible she was run ashore about ten miles below the city, where her crew, attempting escape in the swamps, was with one exception captured by a detachment from the Regiment in pursuit.

June 6, 1865, the Regiment was ordered by boat up Red River and on the 17th wasat Shreveport, La. It left Shreveport July 8, 1865, under command of Lieut. Col. Carmichael, as part of the Second Brigade, Colonel James Stuart, First Cavalry Division, Major General Merritt, and arrived at San Antonio, Tex., August 1 following. From San Antonio several lengthy expeditions were made into the surrounding country after Indians, but its stay there was one of general idleness.

November 22d, 1865, the Regiment was mustered out of the service and being sentNorth via Galveston and New Orleans, reached Camp Butler, January 1, 1866, where, the members receiving their final pay and discharge January 6, it was disbanded, thus ending the career of a Regiment, that not being placed in the theater of war where brilliant actions are shown. It at all times performed faithfully and well whatever duty was given it to do. It traveled as many miles, was without rations as many days, built as many miles of corduroy road, and cheerfully bore as many hardships as any regiment.

Regiment lost during service 1 Officer and 24 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 262 Enlisted men by disease. Total 290.

U403.  AMES M1840 CAVALARY SABER-1849-GAR PAINTED:  This is an Ames M1840 Cavalry saber dated 1849.  Additionally, the scabbard has GAR paint that makes to look like an Officers' saber.   The saber is in untouched condition.  The hilt is tight with 100% original brown leather and double strand wire.  The patina is even and just the way you like to see it.  The pommel cap is double inspected "J.W.R' and "W.D." The blade also is inspection marked "W.D." and Ames 1849, and is free of rust or pitting with an even gray patina, and original blade washer.  The Ames scabbard is dent free and has a great look. $1350.00 SALE PRICE $1150.00

U404.  M1850 FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD, HIGH-GRADE:  This M1850 Foot Officers' sword is a high-grade piece with a slightly fancier guard and pommel cap.  The hilt is tight and the original black leather grip and double strand wire are 100%.  The blade is void of a maker or retailer, but has the name "Starr Taintor" etched in the center panel. In the Civil War data base, I found a Henry S. Taintor.  Further research is needs to determine if his middle name is Starr.  If it is him, his early discharge in 1863 due to wounds would account for the fine condition of the sword.  The blade is very frosty with some surface pitting near the tip.  The scabbard mount all have fancy chase work, retain the screws and are tightly secured to the leather.  The leather is a little weak above the drag.  Overall, an excellent sword!$2875.00 SALE PRICE $2700.00

U407.  USMC M1850 STAFF NCO SWORD, POST CIVIL WAR:  Several collectors have been asking me to find them a nice M1850 Marine Corps sword, but most I have seen were over priced and had condition issues.  Well, I found one with a screaming mint blade and very few condition issues.  This is a post Civil War Marine Corp M1850 Staff NCO sword, which dated to the around the 1870's.  The blade appears to have the correct marks for the Civil War, but the scabbard is from a later period.  This can be narrowed to that time because the scabbard is leather covered metal.  The guard and the scabbard have the matching serial number No. 158.  The guard and pommel cap are tight.  The grip and wire are original with 98% of the bright black leather remaining. The original blade washer has kept the 29 1/2" blade tight.  The blade is in mint condition with 100% original frosting, and W.H. Horstmann marked. Simply the best!  The scabbard is the SNCO design with the frog carry stud.  It is leather covered steel.  Historically, these scabbards did not hold up well and the leather often is falling off or missing.  This one retains 100% of the leather and the front is perfect, but the seam on the reverse shows some separation.  However, it is nearly intact and the best I have seen.  I am offering this at a price several hundred below what other dealers would ask for this sword.  $2600.00

U408. AMES M1852 NAVAL OFFICERS' SWORD:  This is an Ames M1852 Naval Officers' sword complete with its original scabbard. This sword in not mint, but retains a good amount of original gold wash.  The hilt has 99% of the gilt and is tight.  It has 100% original white shark-skin grip and double twisted wire. There is no blade washer; however, the 28 3/4" blade is tight.  The blade retains much original frosting and is nicely etched with a very strong USN, and shows period sharpening.  Also, it is Ames maker marked.  The scabbard is original to the sword and is strong and complete!  The top two mounts still have a mice amount of gold wash, but the drag does not; most likely a result of being exposed in storage.  However, it is the original drag and not a replacement, and has nice patina.$1895.00 SALE PRICE $1775.00

U409.  AMES MILITIA OFFICERS' SWORD, 1840-1847:  This is an Ames Militia Officers' sword, c. 1840-1847. The blade is marked N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield.  It has a highly gilt helmet-head pommel, and cross guard with a mother-of-pearl plague grips. The obverse side has two stress fractures, but no breaks.  The reverse side is flawless.  The blade bright has no pitting or nicks.  The scabbard is complete with all mounts, no major dents, and retains 98% original gilt.  Simply a beautiful sword, which will displays exceptionally well in any collection!$1995.00 SALE PRICE $1850.00

U410.  USMC - UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS M1840 NCO SWORD: This is a Marine Corps M1840 NCO sword, which is in outstanding condition!  It is similar to the standard M1840 NCO sword, except that the blade & scabbard are shorter, the turned-down clam shell, and the blade is etched U.S.M.C.  Horstmann supplied these to the Marine Corps.  The Marine Corps authorized this style sword during the Civil War, but many believe the etched blade were post war. This sword is in outstanding condition. All the brass has matching patina. The hilt is tight with the normal wiggle in the grip. The red blade washer is present and had kept the 26" blade tight.  The blade is Horstmann marked and strongly etched U.S.M.C. and had not rust or pitting, and a very nice tip.  The scabbard is one of the best I have seen with all the mounts and screws, and no breaks, cracks or weak spots.  It is simply one of the better examples of this scarce sword.  I have sold other examples for over $2000.00; however, this one is available at a discounted price.  $1850.00

U415.  PRESENTATION GRADE M1850 STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS' SWORD:  This is a high-grade presentation sword with the ruby-eye eagle head quillion and a german silver grip.  The hilt retains better than 90% original gold wash, and has great untouched patina.  The silver grip has the original triple-strand wire.  An original sword knot is on the guard.  The blade washer has kept the sword tight.  The 32 2/16" blade has its entire original luster and frosting with only one dark spot area.  The etching covers 24" on both sides of the blade with "us" and an eagle on the respective sides of the blade.  The hilt is a clauberg product, but the sword was put together by emerson & silver of new jersey as is evident by their keystone mark on the blade. The sword was retailed by canfield & brother & co. Baltimore md.  The scabbard is dent free and has an even brown patina on the steel, and the mounts are presentation quality with detail chase work. The top mounts has the following presentation "presented to Capt.  S. W. Jones by Co. B. I. G.

53 rd. Regt M.V.I. Aug 7 th. 1863." To receive a presentation sword from three companies is unique. 

The 53rd regiment, Massachusetts infantry (militia) was organized at Groton junction October 17 to November 6, 1862. Moved to New York November 18, and duty there till January 17, 1863. Embarked on steamer "continental" for New Orleans, La., January 17, arriving there January 30. Attached to 3rd brigade, 3rd division, 19th army corps, dept. Of the gulf, to August, 1863.

Service.-duty at Carrollton, La., January 30 to march 6, 1863. Moved to Baton Rouge March 6-7. Operations against Port Hudson march 7-27. Moved to Brashear and Berwick city April 1-9. Operations in western Louisiana April 9-may 14. Teche campaign April 11-20. Fort Island near Centreville April 12-13. Expedition from Opelousas to Alexandria and import may 5-18. Moved to Bayou Sara may 22, thence to Port Hudson. Siege of Port Hudson may 24-july 9. Assaults on Port Hudson may 27 and June 14. Expedition to Clinton June 3-8. Surrender of port Hudson July 9. Moved to Baton Rouge July 11-12, and to Donaldsonville July 15. Duty there and at Baton Rouge till august 12. Moved to Cairo, ill., august 12-19, thence to Fitchburg, mass., august 19-24. Mustered out September 2, 1863. Losses, 5 officers and 28 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 144 enlisted men by disease. Total 177.  I have found a Samuel W. Jones listed under Mass. Officers in U.S.A. and U.S.V. Additional research pending.

U416.  AMES M1850 FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD - PRESENTATION 10TH REGIMENT, NEW YORK STATE MILITIA NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD:  This is an Ames M1850 Foot Officers' sword with a presentation to a "Lieutenant D.S. Benton, Co. A 10 th. Reg. N.G.S.N.Y. by Member of the Albany Zouave Cadets Oct. 15 th 1864."  The swords hilt is tight with 100% original shark-skin and double-strand wire, and the face of the guard retains much original gold wash.  The blade washer is gone, but the blade is tight.  The 30 1/2" blade is bright with much original frosting, and is maker marked and the "US" is the script form, which make it a Civil War period made sword. The scabbard is strong with original complete mounts, thought it looks like the mounts had been cleaned at one time.

The 10th Regiment, New York State Militia -New York Nation Guard - located at Albany was organized in 1860. Company A was organized as an independent company about June 7, 1860, and known as the "Albany Zouave Cadets" it joined the National Guard, 10th Regiment, December 29, 1860; during the War of the Rebellion the company furnished for the armies of the United States about seventy-five commissioned officers. On the Units Color:  McGilPs Ferry, La., January 6, 1863; Ponchatoula, La., March 24, 1863; McGill's Ferry, La., March 24, 1863; Civique's Ferry, La., March 25, 1863; Amite River, La., May 10 and 11, 1863; Port Hudson, La., May 23 to July 8, 1863.

Research:  I was able to find a book titled Albany Zouave Cadets and identified Daniel S. Benton.  As of January 1861, he was identified as a Fourth Sergeant and original member of the unit. The Albany Zouave Cadets, organized in 1860, became Company A of the 10th New York Militia Regiment of Infantry.  During the Civil War, it was incorporated into the 177th New York Volunteers for a service of nine months. It was engaged principally in the Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana. After the war members of the unit formed a veteran organization that held summer encampments and other events that featured military like pageantry. Benton remained with the unit and was promoted to Lieutenant Sept. 12, 1864.  $5800.00 SALE PRICE $4000.00

U418.  SAUERBIER CIVIL WAR CAVALRY OFFICERS' TYPE 3, 2nd. VARIATION SABER: One will have to search long and hard for a similar example of this fine Saber. This is a Saurbier Type 3, 2nd variation Cavalry Officers' Saber, and it is excellent overall. It has a deeply etched near mint blade, silver-plated pewter grips and Mother-of-Pearl inlays of George Washington on the pommel cap and a Shield of Liberty on top of the pommel.  Investment grade and a complete screamer. $13,095.00 SALE PRICE $10,500.00

U419.  M1850 STAFF & FIELD PRESENTATION SWORD:  This is a high-grade M1850 Staff & Field sword by Horstmann.  The grip and scabbard are made of German silver and are very ornate.  The guard retains much original gold wash. The blade is Horstmann marked and is bright with original frosting.  The scabbard has chase work from the top to the bottom, with ornate mounts, and raised oak leave and egg corns on the drag.  The presentation reads "Presented to Captain M. Dunker by the First Troops N.Y. German Hussars, as a mark of Esteem and Respect New York June 1852.   The sword is on original condition with a mellow patina. Truly a rare sword! $21,000

U422.  HORSTMANN M1850 STAFF & FIELD WITH DOUBLE SIDED AND DATED SCABBARD PRESENTATION, DATED 1852:  Several years ago I sold this sword for $4500.00.  Since then the mounts were cleaned and I am offering it at a substantial discount.  I never did any research on the officer to whom it was presented, but the prospects are quite promising. This sword shows much original gold gilt to its brass hilt. The German silver scabbard has a nice presentation information on both sides. The blade is fine and deeply etched. The guard is a bit more ornate than the usual imported product and the overall quality exceeds those of later production during the Civil War.  It is an extremely fancy looking edged weapon.  $4500.00 SALE PRICE $3800.00

U423.  USMC M1850 OFFICERS' SWORD, POST - CIVIL WAR:  This is a United State Marine Corps M1850 Officers' sword - post Civil War.  The Marine Corps authorized Marine Officers to carry this sword between the years 1859 - 1875.  The earlier one I have found have the Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and the Kings head stamped in the blade.  I believe these with the square box Horstmann mark and void of the Kings heads stamp are post Civil War, which is what this one its.  The hilt is tight with all original leather and double-strand wire.  The brass has a nice even mellow patina.  The original blade washer keeps the 32 3/4" blade tight.  The blade has an even gray patina, and has the standard etching for a Horstmann officer blade, but this has USMC in the center panel. There is a little pitting near the tip, though it is not bad.  The scabbard is original to the sword and has all the brass fittings. The length of the scabbard has not shrunk, but there is some shrinkage in the width causing some space near each mounts.  All the mounts are firmly in place, and with the exception of the top mount, the middle mount and drag retain much original gold wash.  This is a rare sword to find. $2750.00

U427.   MILITIA NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS' SWORD, 1850:  This is a Militia Non-Commissioned Officers' sword circuit 1850's.  Many of these saw service in the Civil War.  This one is a little unusual in its design in that the langet US shield is so large with an upside down heart design.  Also, the 25" blade is etched with US, canons, and other military motifs. The bone handle is tight and in great shape with no cracks and only a few small chips near the ferrule.  The original scabbard is complete with no breaks and original brass mounts, but is a little soft above the drag.  This is a great example, and one that will make a nice addition to any collection, or a nice beginner sword for the young collector.  $485.00

U435.  AMES M1850 MOUNTED FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD - 22nd & 11th MASSACHUSETTS: This is an Ames M1850 Mounted Foot Officers' sword identified to a Lieutenant John Lord Parker.  Parker enlisted as a private, Co. F 22nd Mass infantry on 24 Jan 1862 and was promoted Corporal 29 Jan 1862.  He took part in the siege of Yorktown, and the battles of Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, and Gaines Mills. During the battle of Chickahominy on 27 Jun 1862, he was wounded, listed as missing in action, but in fact was captured and sent to Libby prison.  He was discharged due to his injuries, but rejoined the army at Culpepper, VA as a citizen clerk with the First brigade, First division, Fifth corps.  In 1864 he assisted in raising a company and joined the 11th Mass infantry in front of Petersburg. He was promoted to first lieutenant and placed in command of Co. A, served as adjutant of the regiment, was an aid on the staff of General Robert McAllister and A.A.A.G of the Third Brigade, Third division, Second Corps. He was in all the engagement of the brigade during the last seven months of the war, and was at Appomattox, April 9, 1865 when Lee surrendered.

The sword is an Ames M1850 Mounted Foot Officers' sword with the correct one-piece solid guard, and a metal scabbard.  The hilt, pommel cap and grip are tight with no movement.  The grip is 100% original shark-skin and double brass wire. The original blade washer holds the 30 3/4" tight.  The blade has a gray patina with no original frosting and light etching, but it is all there.  It is Ames marked with "US" script etched, which identified it as a Civil War period made sword.  The metal scabbard has the original black finish and all original mounts with only the middle mount screw missing.  The top mount is etched "Lieut John L. Parker 11th Mass Regiment." Also, Parker wrote the History of the Twenty-Second Massachusetts Infantry.  His book and additional copies historical record will be included with the sword, as well as copies of his photos in uniform and later in life.  This is a great piece of Massachusetts Civil War history.  $4800.00

U436.  NON-REGULATION STAFF & FIELD SWORD:  This is a Non-Regulation Staff & Field sword made by Clauberg, Solingen.  It is in outstanding condition! This brass hilt retains much original gold wash with 100% original shark-skin grip and wire, and is tight.  The blade is bright with original frosty etching.  The scabbard had a pleasing brown patina and all original brass mounts.  Simply a great example!  $1775.00

U437.  MARINE CORPS OFFICERS' MAMELUKE SWORD, REGULATION OF 1825:   This is an early Marine Officers' Mameluke sword, which conforms to the regulations of 1825.  Most like it falls between the mid 1820's - 1830's.  The regulation of April 26, 1825 called for "a plan brass scabbard sword or saber, with a Mameluke hilt of White Ivory & gold tassels; extreme length of sword, three feet one inch & a half, curve of blade half an inch only…the hilt in length (which included in the extreme length of the sword) four inches & three quarters…width of blade one inch."   The reference to the hilt and star shape rivets being brass, and the acorn finials came in a later regulation.  Other early Marine Mameluke swords have been found with globular finals.  Additionally, many Marine Officers purchased their swords prior to approval of the Mameluke.

This sword has the plan brass scabbard for a pipe-back(quillback) blade, which would date it to the early 1830's when the US first used a pipe-back blade on the 1833 Dragoon saber.  The extreme length is three feet one inch & and a half with a curved blade of an inch as per regulation.  The hilt matches regulations at four inches & three quarters with globular finals associated with earlier versions, and the blade is the prescribed 1 inch width. $2900.00

U438.  AMES M1850 FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD:  This is an Early Ames M1850 Foot officers' sword with its original scabbard.  The hilt retains much of the original finish and has taken on a nice even patina.  It is tight with 100% original shark-skin grip and double strand wire. It has the original red felt blade washer, which has kept the blade tight.  The 30 1/2" blade is Ames etched marked and retains much original frosting.  It shows some wear, but no abuse. The "US" is the block style denoting this as an early blade.  The scabbard retains all original mounts with original screws, which all have a nice dark chocolate patina, and the top mount is Ames marked.  The leather is original, but shows wear and usage that caused cracking and crazing, and loss of some leather. As a result, it is soft in some spots, but is still complete with no breaks.  Here is a chance to own an Ames Foot Officers sword at a great price. 

U439.  AMES PRESENTATION-GRADE SWORD:  This is an Ames presentation-quality sword believed to have been produced late in the Civil War.  I acquired this sword directly from John Thillmann while at the 2012 Baltimore Antique Arms show.  A similar one is featured in his book "Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Saber" pages 96-97.  This hilt has been seen on Civil War period blade as shown here with a M1850 Staff & Field blade with the early block "US" etching and etched Ames marking.  This high-quality hilt retains 100% of the original gold wash, 100% ray-skin grip, and 100% original wire.  The photos say it all!  The scabbard is an Ames high-grade German silver version.  Simply outstanding!!! 

U441.  AMES M1840 ARTILLERY SABER - TYPE 1, 1846:  This is a Mexican War dated type 1 Ames M1840 Artillery Saber dated - 1846.  If you are looking for a Mexican War saber, then this is the date you want.  The saber has great eye appeal!  The hilt is tight with original leather with two strands of original wire.  The remaining wire is a recent addition. The brass has never been cleaned and has nice patina.  The blade is dark and has never been cleaned.  It was period sharpened, and the tip is a little blunted.  The blade is Ames marked is dated 1846, and inspected "US" "NWP."  The scabbard is the correct type with no throat piece and you can see a portion of the retention device in the scabbard, and the drag is also marked.  $875.00 SALE PRICE $800.00

U442.  POST CIVIL WAR - M1860 STAFF & FIELD SWORD:  This is a Post Civil War M1860 Staff & Field sword.  The grip has 100% original sharkskin with original double twisted wire, and the hilt has traces of original gold wash and even patina. The front clam shell has a large American eagle with spread wings, and the reverse clam shell has crossed rifles, swords, lances under a shield.  The reverse clam shell folds down and is held in place by its original retention device.  The blade is missing its felt washers, which allows movement in the guard.  The blade is period nickel plate and is bright with standard military motif etching. The blade is mark Made in Germany and retailed by The M.C. Lilley & Co Columbus Oh.  The original scabbard is dent free with a few dark spots.  Overall, a very nice Indian War period sword. $250.00 SALE PRICE $195.00

U443.  SAUERBIER M1850 FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD:  This is a M1850 Foot Officers' sword with a metal scabbard made by Sauerbier of New Jersey.  Sauerbier made some of the most unique swords of the Civil War, and you could spend a life time collecting sword from this maker and never find two that are 100% identical.  This is a standard Foot Officers sword, but you can see the distinct style of Sauerbier.  The pommel cap, the leather grip, the scabbard throat piece and drag, and the etching on the blade are all Sauerbier. Though the maker mark is not on the sword, it is Sauerbier.  The hilt it tight with 100% original leather and wire.  On the blade is lightly etched the American eagle, "US" vertical to the blade and the phrase "ALWAYS READY" plus other military motif. The scabbard is dent free and retains all mounts, to include a large drag not seen on a foot officer's sword. The hilt has a nice even patina and the sword mounts still show traces of gold wash. $1675.00

U445. AMES M1850 FOOT OFFICERS SWORD - RARE UNETCHED BLADE: This is a rare unetched Ames M1850 Foot Officers sword.  It is an early sword with a stitched scabbard, which dated to the 1850's.  All brass hilt and brass scabbard mounts have great deep reddish-brown matching patina.  This hilt is tight with 100% original sharkskin and double strand wire. The original black leather blade washer ensures the 30 1/2" blade is tight.  The rare unetched blade is maker marked with the Ames scroll design, and is amazingly bright! The leather scabbard is very strong with all original mounts, and normal crazing.  The throat piece is Ames marked. This simply is an amazing and rare variation of the Ames M1850 Foot Officers sword.

U446. AMES M1860 NAVAL CUTLASS with SCABBARD & FROG: This is an Ames M1860 Naval cutlass with an original scabbard & frog.  The scabbard and frog have an original high-gloss finish, which is original.  It simply is one of the best I have seen in some time.  The cutlass hilt is tight with faint traces of original gilt wash.  The blade leather grip is complete with normal wear.  The blade washer is original, and the blade is free of pitting or rust, but has evidence of period sharpening.  It is also inspection and maker marked: U.S.N.  D. (R missing) 1864 & Ames.  The hilt is free of any rack numbers.  The scabbard is fully in tacked with all its rivets.  The tip is bent a little, but not broken, with any breaks or holes.  The original frog simply looks great with its original high-gloss finish.  If the blade were in mint condition this set would be valued over $2000.00; however, this one is available for less.  It will be difficult finding a better example of the rare scabbard and frog. $1395.00

U448. AMES M1850 STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD - TYPE-2: This is a Type-2 commercially produced Ames M1850 Staff & Field officers sword.  These were produced between 1854 & 1865.  The one dates prior to 1862 because of the early block style "US", yet has an eagle with wings that are dry needle inscribed and "E. Pluribus Unum" dry needle inscribed. The hilt is tight with original shark-skin grip and wire, which shows a little wear. The original blade washer hold the 32" tight, and the blade is bright with much original frosting, strong Ames maker mark.  The Ames marked blue steel scabbard is complete with all original mounts and screws and is dent free.

U450.  AMES M1850 FOOT OFFICERS' SWORD:  This Ames M1850 Foot Officers' sword is amazing! It retains 100% of the original gold wash on all parts. The hilt, blade, and scabbard mounts are all tight. The blade has 100% original frosted etching, and the etching is a unique variant of a higher quality then normally seen. The eagle and sun burst pattern are simply outstanding. The scabbard is in near-perfect condition.  It will be hard to improve upon this one! $4750.00

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Arizona Swords
David LaSlavic
Contact Number:  (602) 717-3103
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