A rare U.S. Model 1840 Engineer's sword
Triangular 31 5/8 inch tapered straight blade; each side concave; etched with floral tendrils, the Corps of Engineer's insignia, panoplies of arms, oak branches, and etched on reverse flat U.S. Corps of Engineers; marked on reverse of blade, near hilt N.P. Ames/Cutler/Springfield. Grip cast in form of two entwined rattlesnakes with their heads extending to the pommel and tails terminating at the quillon. Gilt brass grip, hilt, and knucklebow. The knucklebow with baroque-style decorations, lightning bolts, and a star, all cast in relief. Hilt of gilt brass with stippled counter-guard; opposite side with Topographical Engineer's castle insignia with stars on the left and relief scrolls and star below and on to the right. Gilt brass mounted black leather scabbard, internally re-enforced with brass. Stud in the form of a U.S. shield.
Condition: Blade excellent and bright with some scattered areas of light rust and dark spots. Retains much of gilt finish on hilt and grip, with some wear on high areas of grip. Scabbard mounts retain much gilt finish, with wear to corners. Leather with generous traces of black finish, some scattered holes and one two inch section absent, with brass exposed.
See Illustration
