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U234.  NON-REGULATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICER'S SWORD: This high end Non-Regulation Staff & Field Officer's sword is the second of this style I have ever purchased, and only the third I have seen; but the third one was in extremly poor condition. This is the only one with this high-grade designed scabbard. The brass hilt has the rare Lady Columbia holding a shield with "US" on it and an eagle clutching her staff.  This hilt is tight with 100% shark-skin grip and triple strand wire.  The blade is Clauberg marked and mirror bright with crisp etching.  The scabbard is not the steel version, but what appears to be silver plated brass, brass mounts with amazing chase work from top to bottom.  Between the top mounts is a Federal Eagle, and between the middle mount and the drag are crossed American flags.  The scabbard retains the original wood liner and fits the sword like a glove, and the patina on the brass thoat piece perfectly matched the hilts. This is a rare design and not often seen, especially with this scabbard. A truly one of a kind sword. $3600.00

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U310.  RARE HEINISCH BOWIE KNIFE: This is a rare American Bowie knife by the noted American Cutler Rochus Heinisch, of Newark, New Jersey. American Bowie knives are very rare; many times rarer than Sheffield Bowies that dominated the U.S. market place in the early to mid-1800s. Heinisch Bowie knives are extremely rare; and according to Bill Williamson, all appear to have been made in the 1850's. There are very few known specimens that have surfaced to date. This Bowie knife measures 13 1/2" in overall length, and is a handful of Knife; a heavy, full sized Bowie weighing nearly a pound (15 oz.). The 8" clip blade x 1 1/16" wide x from 3/32" thick stock has a 4 1/8" false edge on top, with the ricasso being hot stamped, "R. HEINISH". The blade tang extends through the end of the hilt and is capped off with a threaded brass nut. The blade has been period sharpening, and retains its original blade shape with a full tip. There are no nicks to the blade when running your finger over the edge. There are a few areas of light black spots on the blade, as can be expected, but overall; the blade is in excellent condition. The 3 5/8" wide integral S shaped cross guard and ferrule, as well as the 5 3/8" long birds head hilt, are made from separate Iron castings, and the cross guard and hilt are tight and rigid. The hilt is incised with dozens of lozenge shaped indentation's that appear to have been ground into the hilt to help with the grip of this heavy Bowie, and slightly lighten it. There are good traces of the original black Japanning inside these incisions. This knife was located in California, which accounts for the scabbard.  It is not original to the knife, but is a 19th century scabbard for a California knife.  A nearly identical Heinisch Bowie knife with a 12 5/8" blade and brass mounted sheath sold in an April 2006 auction for $9,080 (around $10K including buyer's premium, tax (S/H).

In the famous William R. Williamson article on Heinisch Bowies, he states that the name of R. Heinisch can be added to the select little group of American cutlers who made Bowie and fighting type knives of quality. He writes about Rochus Heinisch, Jr. (son of New Jersey cutler Rochus Heinisch Sr.) who was a Lieutenant in Company A of the Union forces during the U.S. Civil War. As an officer of the 26th Regiment of New Jersey Infantry Volunteers, he was involved in a charge of Confederate forces by crossing the Rappahannock River, 3 miles south of the town of Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 5th, 1863. A copy of this article from the Gun Report in 1972 will be provided to the purchaser of this Bowie knife. Here is an opportunity to own a Rare American made Civil War period bowie knife. A nearly identical Heinisch Bowie knife with a 12 5/8" blade and brass mounted sheath sold in an April 2006 auction for $9,080, and currently there is an identical one available on N, Flayderman INC for $8200.00, which shows how rare a Bowie Knife it truly is!  This is available for much less and a GREAT buy!!  $7200.00

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U383. RARE HEINISCH BOWIE KNIFE: This is a rare American Bowie knife by the noted American Cutler Rochus Heinisch, of Newark, New Jersey. American Bowie knives are very rare; many times rarer than Sheffield Bowies that dominated the U.S. market place in the early to mid-1800s.  Heinisch Bowie knives are extremely rare; and according to Bill Williamson, all appear to have been made in the 1850's. There are very few known specimens that have surfaced to date.  This being a previously unseen design, and only the second I have handled.

This Bowie knife measures 12 1/4" in overall length with its original scabbard.  The 7 3/8" clip blade x 1 1/16" wide shows period sharpening, and hot stamped, "R. HEINISH". The blade tang extends through a walnut grip with a brass ferrule at the brass cross guard, and a brass pale where the tang is pinned. The entire tire is loose due to shrinkage.  The sheath is original to the knife and is in strong condition with a little shrinkage and the tip missing. On the grip are stamped the initials "J.R.M." however, there is nothing else indicating a units and there are too many soldiers with those initials to make a positive identification.

In the famous William Williamson article on Heinisch Bowies, he states that the name of R. Heinisch can be added to the select little group of American cutlers who made Bowie and fighting type knives of quality.  Here is an opportunity to own a Rare American made Civil War period bowie knife. $3600.00

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U463.  IDENTIFIED NAVAL OFFICERS' SWORD, UNIFORM, COMMISSION PAPER, BELT AND WAR RELIC:  This is truly a rare find,  a Civil War naval grouping identified to Howard D. Potts, Assistant Engineer U.S. Navy.  It includes a swollow-tail dress uniform, naval officers' sword, commission paper, war relic, Civil War naval belt with buckle, and a post-war naval belt with buckle. Howard Potts was born in Pennsylvania on December 16, 1840.  He entered service at the very outbreak of the war under "Presidents Lincoln's first call for 75,000 troops" as a private and band member in Captain McKnight's Ringgold Light Artillery from Reading Pennsylvania.  His original term of service was for three months, in keeping with the belief by both sides that the conflict would be a short one. Howard Potts re-enlisted in November 16, 1861 as a Third Assistant Engineer U.S. Navy where he began a long naval career.  He would later promote to Second Assistant Engineer.

Here is a list of his assigned ships and posts during his career.  While at sea, he would see action against several Confederate naval vessels, and the Korean Punitive Expedition of 1871.This uniform tells of the years of service from the Civil War to the Korean Punitive Expedition of 1871.  The Naval Officers' dress uniform is an original Civil War period coat with all matching buttons and Assistant Engineer rank insiginal on the sleeve.

The addition of the red is a Post-war addition. The jacket has some moth holes, but nothing major.  The inside has the padding expected in the Civil War uniform.  The sword is a Civil War version of the M1852 Naval Officers' sword retailed by Horstmann. The retailer marking is faint from years of wear, but reads "W. H. Horstmann & Sons Philidelphia," which is the Civil War period markings. The scabbard is complete and has Howard D. Potts name and USN on both sides of the throat piece. The patina is even and all original,  and the hilt is tight with 100% original wire and shark-skin grip. The Civil War period Naval Belt's leather matched the scabbard, and the buckle is the two-piece version.  The commission paper has been professional framed. The ink is faded, but readable. The post Civil War belt has one remaining hanger strap. Also included is a war relic. I do not know what it is, but suspect it is from one of the ships on which Potts served. Included is a binder complete with historical information of Potts' military service, with his complete pension record. I found a report he drafted about damage to the USS Tioga during the fight to capture the Confederate steamer Herald, in which a Confederate shot damaged his ships machinery.This is a great Naval group with an appraised value of $8000.00. Shipping will be $45.00 because two boxes will be required. $4050.00

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U470: TIFFANY SWORD, STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS CIVIL WAR SWORD, PRESENTATION GRADE:  This is an absolutely outstanding Tiffany Staff & Field with Collins marked blade. It is beautiful. Although there are no other marks, it is most certainly a product constructed by Tiffany that was sold to a dealer/vender for marketing. It has a classic Tiffany style silver grip that is identical to those on Tiffany products and as most are aware, Tiffany used Collins (this is dated 1862) as its main supplier of high quality blades, even on its finest presentation grade swords. The blade is excellent with beautiful etching and the German silver scabbard is adorned with chaised decorative mounts. Mounts and hilt retain almost all of the original gold-gilt. A REALLY NICE SWORD, PRICED RIGHT.  An investment grade sword!! $4650.00

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U474. EMERSON & SILVER PRESENTATION-GRADE PHOENIX GUARD STAFF & FIELD SWORD, TOMES SON & MELVAIN RETAIL MARKED:  This is a rare Staff & Field sword! It is a silver hilt, Rising Phoenix guard Staff & Field sword made by Emerson & Silver and retailed by Tomes Son & Melvain New York.  The German silver grip retains 100% original triple-wire and has great patina. The hilt is tight with even patina, and shows a Phoenix rising from flames towards the "U. S." in the guard.  The blade is held tight by the original red leather blade-washer; is maker marked "W. Clauberg, Solingen," with the retailer mark for "Tomes Son & Melvain New York."  The blade is bright with traces of original frosting and a spread eagle with radiating rays, and "U.S." and military motif. There are a few minor nicks showing evidence it was carried and used. On the top of the spine of the blade near the hilt is the number "31" and the "IRON PROOF" mark. The scabbard is 100% original and extremely rare and in amazing condition!  It is leather covered steel with brass mounts.  This was a scabbard designed introduced during the Civil War and in most cases, the leather is in poor condition and often is missing or flacking away. This retains 100% of the original leather and with the exception of the crazing near the top month, is in amazing condition. The brass months have nice chase work and the top mount has "U.S." on the front and a presentation shield on the reverse, on the drag is stamped the number "31'' which matched the number on the blade. I have handled one other example of a Rising Phoenix hilt, but it had a standard ray-skin grip and leather scabbard.  This sword surfaced several years ago and I purchased it then, and it has been in a private collection until I recently reacquired it.  I have not seen another example exactly like this. Here is your chance to add a nice rare investment grade sword to your collection! $3798.00

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U510. DAHLGREN BOWIE BAYONET KNIFE: This is a Dahlgren Bowie bayonet knife.  Prior to the Civil War, Commander John Dahlgren developed a Bowie-style fighting knife, but in order to get it funded he marketed it as a bayonet for the Navy rifle musket (Plymouth rifle). It is rare to find one that will fit a Plymouth rifle because they had to be tooled to fit, but this one actually fits the rifle I have listed for sale F120.  This knife is all original with its original scabbard. The patina on the brass is even and never cleaned. The lug-nut locking spring is operational, the wood grip is complete, and the blade has a sharp point and never sharpened. The blade is maker marked Ames, Navy inspected and dated 1863.  The inspection markings are very rare because you will see a Navy anchor on both the blade and the back-end of the knife, which indicated it was not only inspected but issued. This makes it a scarce example! The scabbard is complete with no breaks or repairs, and retains all complete mounts.  As mentioned, it fits the Plymouth Rifle I have for sale, but is being sold separately. If both are purchased, I will give a package deal. The Bowie is priced: $2800.00

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U530.  AMES M1850 FOOT OFFICER SWORD – RARE VARIANT:  This Ames M1850 Foot Officer sword is a very rare variant in that it was never Ames marked and never etched.  No one knows for sure why these rare example exist, but it has been surmised the swords were either sold blank to retailers for resale, or to Confederate states. As the Southern states were preparing for war they placed orders for military arms from northern factories. Ames filled many  orders, but left their name of the items sent south. Either way, they are rare and not often encountered.  When you examine the hilt, you can see it conforms to all others made by Ames: the pommel cap design; the brazed connecting joint in the hand guard; the grip material and side seam, and the configuration of the double-strand wire. The wire has a period lead repair.The scabbard is pure Ames in its constructure with a bottom seam.  Both top mounts retain large original screws, but the screw for the bottom drag is missing. There are no breaks or bends in the scabbard, but there is minor crazing. Though rare, this sword does not break the bank and is very affordable, and will add to any collection

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U542. W. CLAUBERG 1840 CAVALRY OFFICERS' SABER – AMES DESIGN:  One of the most popular Cavalry Officers' sabers during the Civil War was made by Ames, and several foreign manufacturers copied the design for retailers in America. Ames ultimately sued for copy-right infringement and won bringing an end to the importation of the copies.  However as a result, these sabers are almost as rare to find as the Ames version, but valued at a fraction of the cost. This saber is Clauberg made with the flying eagle on the inside of the guard with traces of original gold wash. The grip is 100% original shark-skin with triple wire. The unsharpened Clauberg marked blade is lightly etched with faint original frosting, and US and the spread Eagle in the center panels. The scabbard is one of the better ones I have seen with a bright steel finish and all original brass mounts. An Ames version would be valued $7500-$8900, but here is a chance to own a unique example of a Cavalry Officers' saber well below the cost of the Ames version.  $2850.00

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U543. SAUERBIER CAVALRY OFFICER'S SABER, MID GRADE TYPE 1, PLAIN MOUNTS: Sauerbier cavalry officer's sabers are seldom encountered and always have distinctive features. This example is a mid-grade type 1 Officer's saber with plain mounts, and is the exact one featured on page 349 of the book “Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers” by John H. Thillmann. It has an etched blade with a large panel with the maker mark, and bold block lettered US. The hilt is deeply engraved with a great chased quillion, guard and knuckle bow. The pommel cap is the unique Sauebier turned down version with a recessed spanner nut, and the grip is the typical oversized version with 100% original leather and wire. This is a rare saber to find, and how often do you have the chance to own one that is published and well documented.  $2895.00

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U546.  STAFF & FIELD CAVALRY OFFICER SABER: This is a very unique Staff & Field Cavalry Officer saber with a gold-washed blade. It is rare to find one with a standard Staff & Field hilt.  In fact, the hilt is the style often found on a Tiffany Staff & Field officer sword.  The Clauberg blade is gold-wash "For Union and Liberty" and the spread eagle and US on the other side. The blade is in mint condition, and the hilt retains its original finish with 100% original shark-skin grip and triple strand wire.  The scabbard is in perfect condition with no dents or dings, and has all original mounts. Simply one of the best I have seen! $4100.00

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U564. M1821 NON-REGULATION FRENCH INFANTRY OFFICERS SWORD:  WOW, what an amazing blade! This is a M1821 Non-Regulation French Infantry Offricers sword, which was imported into the United State and where carried by Infantry and Artillery officers before and during the Civil War. Often you will find these unetched, and if etched, in well-used condition.  This one is in amazing condition with an etched blade that is perfect in all aspects. The hilt has a nice patina, and with the exception of a small piece of leather missing, the grip is perfect.  The metal scabbard is dent free.  No maker or retailer marks. $1300.00

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U566. UNUSUAL STYLE IMPORT NON-REGULATION U.S. CAVALRY OFFICER:  This saber is likely made in Solingen for the American Civil War and is considered a Non-Regulation pattern, and is a style seldom encountered. It is a smooth bird’s head shape pommel with an integral back strap. The grip is sharkskin, triple copper wire wrap with the center strand being dragoon twist. The knuckle bow has no slot for a saber knot. There are two cavalry style branches also undecorated. There are two shield shape langets and a flat disk quillon. The blade has the flat spins of the 1840 pattern. The ricasso is short with no markings. The 12.5 inch etched panel is beautifully done with scroll work and an American Eagle under stars and an E. Pluribus Unum ribbon. The reverse has a stand of arms in place of the Eagle. The scabbard body is German Silver. The mounts appear to be silver with heavy gilt.  The top mount is a long, 4.5 inch throat with a banded carry ring with line chased designs. The center mount matches, but smaller in size and the drag has the same chase-work of a line design around the blade and at the top. $1895.00

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U569.  EMERSON & SILVER M1850 FOOT OFFICERS SWORD: This is an Emerson & Silver M1850 Foot officers’ sword.  The hilt is tight with generous amounts of original gold-wash, original shark-skin grip with triple strain wire, and frosty mint condition blade held tight with the original white-buff leather washer. The etching is truly beautiful, to include the Emerson & Silver marking.  The steel scabbard has developed a nice even brown patina, and ring mounts are serial number stamped 25, but the drag is marked 52 in error, kind of neat in a way. $2300.00

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U570.  TIFFANY & CO BASIC MODEL 1850 STAFF & FIELD SWORD: This is a basic model 1850 Staff & Field sword by Tiffany & Co. New York.  The hilt design is well attributed to Tiffany and has been seen on the basic model and other embellished swords they produced. All the brass on this sword and scabbard has developed a deep rich coppery-brown patina, and is untouched. The drag show wear indicating the sword was carried, but the blade was well preserved.  It is Tiffany marked, but is stamped with the keystone symbol of Emerson & Silver, and has frosty etching with a little oxidation neat the tip. The grip retains 100% original shark-skin material and wire. The Tiffany name today is associated with high-end quality items, and it was the same and maybe more so in the 1800’s.  $2200.00

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U573.  M1850 STAFF & FIELD IDENTIFIED TO AN OFFICER OF THE 18TH INFANTRY COLORED TROOPS: This is a M1850 Staff & Field sword, which belonged to Captain Charles L. C. Cass of the 18th infantry, colored troops. The sword is a standard import version with the US basket hilt. The brass has a rich mustard colored patina and the grip is 100% original shark-skin with triple strand wire and it tight. The original white buff leather washer holds the 32 inch blade tight. The blade is maker marked Schnitzler & Kirschbaum Solingen and is fully etched. The blade has a dark gray-tone patina, the etching is deep and the tip has a strong point. The metal scabbard has a great gray-brown patina with all original mounts. On the reverse side of the top mount is etched “C.L.C. Cass” “Capt USV.”

In December 1863 Charles Cass applied for a commission to the 6th regiment Corps d’ Afriqua while at Port Hudson, LA and received a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He would be assigned to the 83rd infantry, colored troops and eventually the 18th infantry, color troops as a Company Commander. He would lead his men in the Battle of Nashville, and would sustain an accidental gunshot to the hand while in the field. Included with the sword will be a complete copy of his military record with other historical information. It is not often you find a sword attributed to an officer who lead colored troops during the Civil War. $3200.00

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U575.  AMES - M1840 ARTILLERY SABER: This Ames M1840 Artillery saber is a nice example with its original matching inspected scabbard.  The hilt is tight with 100% original black leather and twisted wire.  The pommel cap and guard have matching inventory number 51, thought very faint on the pommel cap, and the guard is inspection marked with what looks like AHC. The washer is original and holds the blade tight, and the blade is maker marked AMES and inspection marked US/ADK/1863. On the scabbard drag you can see the letter K from the same inspector.  Both the blade and scabbard look to have been cleaned at one time, but are starting to take on a mellow appearance.  There was a time this sword would have sold for $1500.00, but is available for a discount.

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U576.  SCHULER, HARTLEY & GRAHAM – MODEL 1860 STAFF OFFICERS SWORD: This is a rare example of French made Civil War Model 1860 Staff Officers sword retailed by Schuler, Hartley & Graham New York.  The 32” diamond shape blade (which is correct) is etched and marked Schuler, Hartley & Graham New York and French maker marked.  The Klingenthal “B” is on the ricasso reserve side, and the counterguard underside is marked “FBD” with a sword piercing helmet (F.Delecour).  The reverse clam shell folding guard is full sized with a plain field, but in the down position because the retention button is frozen.  The plain brown scabbard has all brass mounts with Civil War style top-ring mounts with a plain simple drag.  The hilt retains much original gold wash and has Mother-of-Pear grips, which are in mint condition. Look at John H. Thillmann's book “Civil War Army Sword” page 448 for comparison information. A Civil War Model 1860 Staff & Field sword is rare to find especially is such fine condition, but since the claim shell cannot be placed in the full open position, I have discounted the price accordingly.  $1875.00

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U579.  AMES - M1840 ARTILLERY SABER: This M1840 Artillery saber is an outstanding example of the early Civil War production when Ames was filling early order, while still using available surplus parts.  The hilt it is the Type-1 design with the recess cavity for the early scabbard, but the blade is for the Type-2 scabbard, which is what this one has. The guard and pommel cap retain 95% original gold was, and the pommel is inspection marks JH, and the guard has three different number stamps; 42, 69, 618. The grip is 100% complete, but shows some wear. The blade is outstanding with its bright original luster, and is Ames marked and inspected US/J.T./1860.  The scabbard is the second design, which is correct for the Civil War produced blade. It is dent free and complete with all mounts and has an even speckle brown patina.    This is an early war dated saber and very rare to find especially in this condition. $1300.00

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U581. M1850 STAFF & FIELD SWORD: WOW!! This is a great example of a Civil War M1850 Staff & Field sword with its original brown metal scabbard. The hilt has a great patina; has 100% original shark-skin grip with triple strand wire, and a fancy designed pommel cap, which is all tight. The tight blade retains much original frosting with some light spotting closer to the hilt.  It has never been sharpened and has a great tip. When found, the sword blade was covered with a light coat of varnish, which when removed, reviewed a beautiful blade.  The scabbard is one of the best I have seen! It retains all original mounts and screws, and 100% original brown finish with no dent or dings. Easily a $2000.00 + sword, but I picked it up at a great price and can pass the savings on to the next owner.  This is a lot of sword at this price!  $1600.00

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U582. HIGH-GRADE PRESENTATION SWORD with ORNATE MEDALLION MOUNTS & SILVER SCABBARD:  This is a high-grade Civil War period sword with a post-war presentation.  The sword is most likely a Clauberg product with a PDL marked blade.  It has a fancy eagle pommel hilt with US in the basket, a German silver grip, and a great pommel. The blade is PDL marked, and shows wear, but all the etching is present, as well as the leather blade washer. The scabbard is outstanding! It is silver plated steel with ornate medallion mounts and a drag with a standing soldier. On the top mount is the presentation “Presented to Capt. E. W. Holden by the Members of Company H. 10 Regt M. V. M.” Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.

E. W. Holder is Ethan W. Holden from Westminster, MA. He Enlisted as a Private on 10/01/1861 as a member of Company F, 25th Massachusetts Infantry and was discharged for disability on 7/24/1862 at New Berne, NC. After the war he was a member of GAR Post #69 (Joseph P. Rice) in Westminster, MA as the Post Commander. He also was a member of the post-war 10th Regiment.  Records show he received a pension, and muster sheets are on file, though more research is required.

The hilt and scabbard are outstanding, but the blade is a little tired, and if it were better this would be a $6500 sword. $4900.00

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U587.  M1841 NAVAL CUTLASS – AMES: This is an Ames M1841 Naval Cutlass and it obviously saw service in both the war with Mexico (1846-48) and the Civil War. The brass hilt shows wear, but is tight with the rack number 99 stamped on the guards face by the blade.  The blade is Ames marked and U.S.N inspected / dated 1842, which often are worn off, and shows evidence of period sharpening as well as pitting from exposure to salt air.  $995.00

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U588.  SAUERBIER M1850 STAFF & FIELD SWORD: Sometimes, I find a sword which is unique in many ways and gets me excited.  This is such a sword!  It might not be minty and bright, or shiny as many high-end pieces, but this has the age and wear that truly indicated it was carried in battle.  It is an unmarked Sauerbier M1850 Staff & Field sword in a Roby Staff & Field scabbard. Was it originally purchased in this configuration, or did the officer obtain a field replacement.  One will never know, but the patina on the brass matches on the sword and scabbard, and the fit is perfect.  As far as I am concern, it is all original to the war.  The pommel cap, and screw, and blade match Sauerbier designs. The grip retains 100% original shark-skin material, but is missing all but one strand of wire. The blade washer is gone, but the blade is tight. The blade is tired, but you can still see the original etching.  Also, the blade show original period sharpening. The scabbard retains all original mounts and screws and wood liners, and has great patina.  Oh, if this sword could only speak…I hear the faint sounds of battles in Virginia, Pennsylvania, maybe Shiloh or the march to the sea.  This sword will display well in any collection. Free shipping. $1050.00

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U589. M1850 FOOT OFFICERS SWORD: This is an M1850 Foot Officers sword, which is in great condition.  It has no identified maker, but my experience tells me it is American made and not an import because there is no IRON PROOF on the top spine of the blade. The hilt has a great look with traces of original gold wash. The shark-skin grip is near perfect with one worn spot and 100% original wire. There is a little movement due to some shrinkage in the wood. The blade retains lots of original frosting and the US and Eagle etching is strong, and the blade has never been sharpened.  The original scabbard shows some crazing, but is strong and retains all original mounts. Easily, a $1200.00 sword, but is available at a great holiday discounted price. $1050.00

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U590.  SILVER HILT – M1850 FOOT OFFICERS / STAFF & FIELD SWORD – RARE – 13TH MAINE INFANTRY: This sword is often mistakenly identified as a Foot Officers sword, but in fact is a M1850 Staff & Field sword because the slightly larger and curved back basket guard. This particular design does not have a US in the guard and many dealers refer to it as Non-regulation, but it does conform to the Civil War sword guidelines.  Also, this sword is slightly rare for two reasons, first it has a German silver hilt, and secondly it is marked with a rare and unknown maker/retailer; O. LANGSDORF.  I have searched all my referenced and cannot find any information associated with this maker/retailer. The only thing I found was a past auction for another sword with the same markings. That being the case, there are only two known swords by this maker/retailer.  How rare is that!  O. LANGSDORF is stamped in the blade, the guard and the drag.

This sword was carried as is evident by its condition and great eye appeal. I believe it belonged to an officer in the 13th Maine infantry. The German silver grip retains all original wire, and the brass guard and pommel cap have an even untouched patina. The 31 1/5 inch blade is fully etched; however, it is faint as a result of use and period cleaning. I have seen other blades look this way because they were carried by soldiers in a region of the country exposed to salt air from the ocean. The 13th Maine performed service near the ocean, and I believe that accounts for the blades condition. The 13th Maine survived a hurricane along the Atlantic coast, served on Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico, manned the forts guarding entry to the Mississippi, invaded Texas at Brownville and along the coast, fought in the Red River Campaign in Louisiana, guarded Washington DC, and patrolled trains along the Shenandoah Valley south of Harpers Ferry.

The blade is not pitted, but does have a few nicks. Also, notice the blunt tip, it is original and never had a sharp point. Again, this is a first!  The scabbard is original to the sword and very strong with a period repair of brass above the drag. The top mount is marked Me 13, which I believe is for the 13th Maine infantry. The rings on each mount are original and very small in design, and the original drag has been place upside down as a result of the brass band repair. This is a great looking sword, which displays well, and how often can you find a Silver hilt at this price?  $1175.00

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UC001.  MODEL 1840 CLAUBERG PRESENTATION GRADE SABER – DAMASCUS BLADE: This is a Clauberg high-grade two-branch cavalry officer saber with a German silver scabbard. The grip on this saber is one of the two rare and uncommon variants with a fluted grip and un-shucked corn in its design. Originally silver plated, this one is down to the original brass. The hilt is tight with no movements, and the original blade washer keeps it firm. The 35 inch Damascus blade is Clauberg marked, and has two etched center panels. On the left side is etched a large U. S. with the phrase We Never Surrender around the U.S., and on the right side is the spread eagle. Both etched panels retain 100% original gold wash. The scabbard body is very unique and rare in that it is silver plated brass.  I put a magnet to it and it will not hold, which indicated the base metal under the plating is not steel, but brass. All the fittings are original and retail original screws, and the top and two middle mounts retain much original gold wash.  The ornate original drag has been cleaned at one time, but is taking on a nice patina.  As a note, the scabbard is silver plated and reflects the camera light causing some glare; but be assured it is one of the best examples I have seen. $13,000.00

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