M1841 naval officer's sword. London, England: London Manufactori, [n.d.].

Publications: Peter Tuite. U.S. Naval Officers: Their Swords and Dirks. 2004, pp. 95-96. 

Complete in leather scabbard. 27 1/2 in. single-edged, slightly curved spear-point blade with a pipe-back and a 26 1/2 in. stopped median fuller running to its point. Overall 34 3/4 in. long. The grip is of ivory carved with a geometric pattern not dissimilar to Ames-manufactured m1841 swords, albeit without the ergonomic shaping. Eagle head pommel from the beak of which emerges the knucklebow. Symmetrical acorn quillons and dual oval folding counter guards, of which the obverse bears a pair of acorns and crossed oak leaves, and the reverse is unmarked. Scabbard drag with an acorn-laden oak sprig. Middle mount with a fouled anchor and top mount with a frog stud bearing an anchor.

There is an oval above the ricasso inscribed "London / Manufac / tori". The blade is acid-etched to its obverse with various botanical motifs, a fouled anchor, a depiction of Tecumseh wielding a tomahawk, and a right-facing eagle with olive branch and arrows holding a "liberty" banner in its beak. While similar, the reverse substitutes the fouled anchor and Tecumseh for a script "United States Navy" and a stand of arms and flags. 

The model 1841 was designed for a small naval force whose most significant engagements took place on Floridian rivers during the Seminole Wars. As such, they are exceedingly scarce in their own right. Most swords of this model, per the pattern drawing, feature a knuckle guard attached to the bottom of the eagle's beak. The placement seen on this example is unique to those produced by London Manufactori. It is in overall very fine condition, with conspicuous wear only to the ivory grip, which appears to have undergone a period repair. 

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] [Seminole Wars, Florida Wars, First Seminole War, Second Seminole War, Florida Territory] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades, Presentation Sword] 

Prospective bidders are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of items containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.