M1840 musician's sword. Chicopee, Massachusetts: Ames Manufacturing Company. Ricasso stamped "U.S. / A.H.C. / 1862." Reverse, though worn, stamped with Ames Co. maker's mark. Inspector's "A.D.K." stamp to guard. Blade acid etched with the inscription "1862 AMES STAFF OF [Illegible]," as well as with a second, entirely illegible etching. Approx. length 38 1/4; blade is 31 1/2 in.

A classic Civil War edged weapon that the U.S. Ordnance Department designated the Musicians' Sword, Model 1840. This example is a wartime contract sword dated 1862, made by the Ames Manufacturing Company in Massachusetts. Speculation regarding the use of musicians' swords in American military history is that they were first used during the American Revolution, carried by drummers and fifers. Musicians accompanied troops upon the field of battle, and if the lines were flanked, they were called upon to defend themselves. Their sword was their only means to do so.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades]