Bonhams 1793 : A scarce U.S. Marine Hospital Service sword

Straight 31 inch blade of diamond section with 14 inch panel etched with oak leaves and inscribed on one side N.D. Richardson Brass hilt of variant M. 1860 form, the front shell and pommel molded with a design of caduceus and fouled anchor, knucklebow molded with laurel branches, folding shell with panoply of arms. White shagreen-covered grip bound with multiple strands of brass wire. Black leather scabbard, the brass mounts engraved with stylized blossoms.
Condition: Blade showing scattered spotting/minor pitting. Hilt retains traces of gilt finish. Grip fine. Scabbard showing some surface scuffing but sound.
See Illustration

Sold for US$ 702 inc. premium

Footnotes

Note: The U.S. Marine Hospital Service was organized in 1798 and was dedicated to the care of seamen from the U.S. Merchant Marine. It was the fore-runner of the U.S. Public Health Service and it's 'Supervising Surgeon General', the fore-runner of the present-day Surgeon-General of the United States.

Category: Arms and Armour

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