Guns International #: 102377639
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Guns International #: 102377639
Category - Collectibles - Civil War
- Edged Weapons Pre 1900
Seller's Information
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Seller: Bobinwmass
Member Since: 2/19/23
State:
Massachusetts
Country: United States
Active Listings: 21
Total Listings: 57
Seller Type: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping price for specific item included in item description. Three day inspection and return policy on all items. Payment Methods: Check or Money Order, Paypal (plus 3% fee) for non-firearm related items, layaways considered..
About Us: Recently retired, starting to sell off my militaria collection of 30 years. New to this site, but have sold on other sites for years with 100% positive feedback under same user ID.
Scarce Model 1832 Foot Artillery/NCO Sword & Scabbard with Massachusetts Markings, Only 311
Description: Offered here is a scarce “MS” Massachusetts marked Model 1832 Foot Artillery/NCO sword and scabbard made by N. P. Ames. While usually identified as the Foot Artillery Sword, what is often overlooked is the fact that prior to the introduction of the Model 1840 NCO Sword in the mid 1840’s, this sword was also the regulation sword for non-commissioned officers of the army, and it is likely that more were issued for use by infantry and militia NCO’s than by artillery personnel during that time. This sword is in beautiful condition with the brass having a nice uncleaned aged patina and a bright blade with strong markings. It is dated 1839 and has the “MS” marking for Massachusetts issue on the crossguard. The face of the hilt is stamped with 3 different inspector markings, “W.S.” (for William Smith), “MPL” (for Mann Page Lomax), and “ORD.”, indicating acceptance by an armory sub-inspector, final inspector, and Ordnance Dept. These swords are often lacking the scabbards, as being made over 180 years ago, many have lost their original leather scabbards due to deterioration and long use. What is nice about this scabbard is that it is the original one for this sword, as it also has the “MS” Massachusetts marking on the scabbard tip. Sometimes you find a Massachusetts marked sword paired with an unmarked scabbard, when you do find one with a scabbard at all. This scabbard does have some cracking and scattered loss of finish from age but does present well. The brass tip is loosely attached to the leather body as it is missing one of the two small brass attaching pins on each side. In his book “Civil War Army Swords”, Thillmann states that ordnance records indicate that in 1839 the Federal Government made 311 Foot Artillery/NCO swords under the Militia Act of 1808 to forward to state militias. It is unclear if only some or all 311 went to Massachusetts (many of the other states did not mark their swords), but even if all went to Massachusetts, that means there are no more than 311 of these swords with this date and Massachusetts markings. The sword shown here is marked exactly as the example described in Thillmann’s book. This sword also has the number “47” stamped on the opposite crossguard, which is likely a rack number or the assigned number of the soldier it was issued to. You do need to be careful when purchasing an “MS” marked foot artillery sword, as for some reason fakes swords have been made with the 1839 date and Massachusetts markings. With a little study and comparison, it is easy to tell the authentic swords from the fakes. On the fakes, the eagles on the hilts have heads and beaks that are way out of proportion. On the fakes the eagles stamped on the blade look more like simplified scrawny chickens. And on the fakes the blade stampings are done incorrectly and instead of being centered one below the other, they are all left justified. Have no worries, this one is the real deal. Please take a look at all the photos as they provide the best description of condition. Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping charge $35 towards cost of Priority Mail with full insurance. Three day return privilege, buyer pays return shipping. SOLD |
Guns International #: 102377639
Guns International #: 102377639