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Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

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Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

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Showing 1-37 of 37 results

Extraordinary Gilt Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword and Scabbard

Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword

The Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword was the standard company grade officer's sword from 1850 to 1872 and was manufactured by several companies, particularly during the Civil War when demand was exceptionally high. An iconic Civil War officer’s sword, it would remain in service until 1872. This sword has no dates or maker's marks. The 30 3/4 inch long blade has classical martial and patriotic etching. The brass hilt and scabbard fittings are gilded, and the hilt has the usual floral patterns. The grip is wrapped in alternating brass wire and black shagreen. The scabbard body is black leather.

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Outstanding Gilt Ames Mfg. Co. Model 1852 Naval Officer's Sword and Scabbard

Ames Mfg. Co. Model 1852 Naval Officers Sword and Scabbard

This is an exceptionally high condition example of an Ames Mfg. Co. Model 1852 Naval Officer's Sword. This model saw extensive use during the American Civil War and remained the standard U.S. Navy officer sword up to WWII. The lightly curved, 29 inch blade has classical martial, naval, and patriotic etching along with "Ames Mfg. Co. /Chicopee/Mass." etched on the obverse side above the ricasso. The gilt brass hilt features sea serpent designs "USN" on the guard, and oak leaves and acorns. The grip is wrapped in white shagreen and twisted gilt brass wire. The scabbard has a black leather body and gilt brass fittings with a sea serpent drag, knotted rope suspension bands, and "AMES MFG. CO./CHICOPEE/MASS" marked on the reverse of the upper band.

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Incredibly Fine Gilt, Etched, and Silver Hilt Emerson & Silver Officer's Presentation Grade Sword and Scabbard

Emerson & Silver Officer's Sword & Scabbard

This is a very attractive sword and scabbard that certainly would have been suitable for presentation to an accomplished Union hero of the Civil War, particularly a cavalry officer. Emerson & Silver of Trenton, New Jersey, were active during the Civil War and supplied thousands of swords, mainly Model 1860 sabers, before the end of the conflict. Before the war, they were manufacturers of edged tools at the Keystone Edge Tool Works. During the war, they advertised, "Particular Attention Given to Presentation Swords" and "Fine Swords For Presentation constantly on hand" and indicated they completed 125 swords a day. The quote on the blade has often been attributed to Benjamin Franklin during the American Revolution and was used by some Americans during the war, but it has been around even longer, including use in Latin (Ubi Libertas: Ibi Patria) by influential colonist Robert Dinwiddie who died in 1770 and by others back in England. The approximately 34 3/4 inch curved blade has broad fullers and very high grade etching with a cavalry battle scene with cabins in the background as well as an American flag and shield and martial trophies on the obverse, "IRON PROOF" on the spine, and "U.S.," "Where Liberty dwells/there is my Country," an officer, and "EMERSON/&/SILVER/TRENTON" on the reverse. The gilt brass hilt has the decoration on the inside of the guard including scroll, laurels, and a patriotic shield and oak leaves and acorns and laurel and fruit at the base of the pommel and a floral pattern around the pommel edge. The grip is cast silver with an officer on horseback with his sword raised and detailed natural scenery on the obverse side and scroll work around a blank panel for an inscription on the reverse. The scabbard has a silver body and pierced gilt fittings. The drag has an officer with a sword and American flag on the obverse and foliage on the reverse. The lower section of the body of the scabbard is engraved with elaborate scroll patterns with martial trophy accents flanking a detailed bust of a horse. The lower suspension band has classical trophies, while the upper has a cavalryman on horseback at full gallop looking back over his shoulder as if in a running battle. Between the bands is a blank panel for an inscription surrounded by an elaborate engraved border. The mouthpiece has martial items.

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Exceptional Presentation Grade Horstmann & Sons Model 1840 Foot Officer's Sword and Scabbard

Horstmann & Sons Model 1840 Foot Officer's Sword

This is an exceptionally high condition, presentation grade Model 1840 Foot Officer's sword with the "HORSTMANN/&/SONS/MAKERS/PHILADA" scroll marking on the reverse of the scabbard, a 32 inch etched blade with bright floral and patriotic patterns, gilt brass hilt and scabbard with floral and patriotic designs, and silver wire pattern grip.

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Attractive 17th Century Attributed Hanger Sword with Unique Relief Carved Grip

17th Century Attributed Hanger Sword with Carved Handle

These short cutting swords known as hunting swords, hunting hangers, or cuttoes were commonly carried by gentlemen in the 17th and 18th centuries. When hunting, they could be used to finish off wounded game. They also saw use as military sidearms into the early 19th century, including in the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. This sword has a 18 3/4 inch curved blade with stamps of a face and some light floral engraving. The brass hilt has case designs of dogs, masks, stags, and figures. The antique ivory hilt is grooved and carved with a bust with his hand reaching across to draw a sword and a beast, probably a lion, each with inset eyes. It has a black leather scabbard with brass fittings.

Rare and Historic Citizens of Philadelphia Presentation Gilt W.H. Horstmann & Sons Mexican-American War Officer's Sword and Scabbard with Silver Grip and Dual Presentation Inscriptions for Mexican War Hero Brevet Captain Benjamin Franklin Harley of the 11th U.S. Infantry with Subsequent California Gold Rush History

Mexican-American War Officer's Sword of Benjamin Franklin Harley

The sword has a 33 1/4 inch blade with floral etching along with "U.S." on the obverse and patriotic eagle and "Pluribus Unum" banner on the reverse. The gilt brass hilt has patriotic eagle and shield motifs on the guard, an engraved silver grip with patriotic shields along with classical martial trophies and scroll patterns, a fancy chain guard, rose colored stone (likely amethyst) on the pommel, and a silver shield with the seal of the City of Philadelphia on the obverse languet. The gilt brass scabbard has extensive floral and scroll engraving along with a patriotic eagle and shield motif on the obverse, pair of sea serpents on the drag, and plain reverse side marked with the "W.H. HORSTMANN/& SONS/MAKERS" mark just below the throat. The reverse languet is inscribed: "Brevet Captn/Benjn Franklin Harley/of the/11th Infantry/USA" and the scabbard between the suspension rings is inscribed: "Presented to BREVET CAPTN BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HARLEY. OF/Philadelphia by his fellow Citizens, for the promptness shown by him in the offer of his services to his/Country and for his Gallant conduct in the Battles of Contreras, Churubusco, and/Particularly at Molino del Ray, at the capture of Chepultepec [sic], the Garita San Cosme, and the final capture of the City of Mexico./Philadelphia Octr. 26. 1848." Brevet Captain Benjamin Franklin Harley (1815-1853) of Philadelphia was a member of the First Troop of Philadelphia City Cavalry starting on November 2, 1840, and was a fourth corporal in 1842. He served in the 11th U.S. Infantry during the Mexican-American War. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant on March 2, 1847, became a 1st lieutenant on August 12, 1847, was brevetted as a captain on August 20, 1847, for his gallantry and meritorious conduct at Contreras and Churubusco, and mustered out on August 13, 1848. The 11th was composed of companies raised from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia and fought at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, Chapultepec, and Mexico City. At Molino del Rey, Lieutenant Colonel William M. Graham was mortally wounded, and Lieutenant Harley and Lieutenant Thomas F. McCoy continued to lead the men in the assault and pursuit of the Mexican forces. In addition to his gallant service during the Mexican-American War, Harley is recorded in history thanks to his bravery in a duel in which Thomas J. Jackson was involved near Llrura. The later was famously later a Confederate general and nicknamed "Stonewall" Jackson. Lieutenant Daniel Smith Lee, the 11th's adjutant, challenged Harley to a duel in Mexico after the fighting ended as recorded in "Stonewall: A Biography of General Thomas J. Jackson" and in "Maryland Historical Magazine Fall 1930." Lee was also brevetted as captain for his gallantry and meritorious conduct at Contreras and Churubusco. Harley had accused Lee of being a liar after a newspaper article claimed that Colonel Graham had died in Lee's arms at Molino del Rey rather than in Harley's. It seems the men of the 11th aligned with Harley rather than Lee. Lee chose Stonewall Jackson of the 1st Artillery and 2nd Lieutenant Birkett Fry of the Voltigeur Regiment as his seconds. Both of these men were from Virginia like Lee and were later generals for the Confederacy. Captain Lewis Carr and 2nd Lieutenant J. Pembroke were Harley's seconds, and, as the challenged party, Harley had his choice of weapons for the duel and chose U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifles." The distance generally given is 30 paces. Despite both men being excellent shots, both fired without effect. Harley demanded a second shot, but as the challenged party, he was by custom not in a position to demand satisfaction. He again denounced Lee as a liar and a thief for stealing his honor, but no additional shots were fired. One report indicated that pistols were to be the weapons for a second exchange of fire, but that Harley declined. Incidentally, Lee later died of an infection after shooting himself in the foot with a pistol in 1857. The regiment mustered out in August 1848. "History of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry" notes that Harley was placed on the honorary roll on Oct. 28, 1848, and died on Feb. 11, 1853, (some sources list March). Given he was placed on the honorary roll for the First Troop in October 1848 and the sword was presented that month in Philadelphia, men from that unit were likely involved in the presentation. Additionally details on his life are hard to confirm thanks to the presences of multiple Benjamin Franklin Harley's in and near Philadelphia at this time. One of these men was charged in Philadelphia in 1843 for assault and battery, and a man by this name along with J.D. Morris patented a mold for butt hinges the following year and is recorded as a manufacturer of them. After the Mexican-American War, a B.F. Harley advertised in Philadelphia's "Public Ledger" in February 1849 that he was putting together a company to travel to California to search for gold in the famous California Gold Rush. Many Mexican-American War veterans tried to strike it rich in California. After heading to California, he became a deputy sheriff under Sheriff John Coffee Hays of Texas Ranger fame in the rough Gold Rush boomtown of San Francisco from 1850 through 1852 and also operated a “powder house” for storing guns and ammunition, including for the California militia. He returned to the northeast on the SS Illinois and arrived in New York in January of 1853 shortly before his death. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.

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"CS" Marked Boyle & Gable Pattern Confederate Officer's Sword and Scabbard

"CS" Marked Boyle & Gable Pattern Confederate Officer's Sword

The hilt design on this sword matches those of Boyle & Gable/Boyle, Gamble & MacFee of Richmond, Virginia. The only markings are "CS" among the designs on the guard and "16" on the guard to the left of the blade and the pommel by the tail end of the knuckle guard which is correct for these swords as discussed on pages 8-10 of "Confederate Edged Weapons" by William Albaugh II. Also note the star above the "C" and the ear of corn near the knuckle guard. The blade is roughly 30 3/4 inches long and has been modified to be double edged, and the tang is now secured via a square nut on the pommel. The grip has black leather and simple wire wrap. The browned iron scabbard has gilt brass fittings and is an old replacement, likely from the same period as the blade alteration.

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W.J. McElroy Marked Cavalry Saber and Scabbard

W.J. McElroy Marked Cavalry Saber

Standard field grade McElroy cavalry sabers are very difficult to find with only a small number known to survive in private hands. The 36 inch long, curved blade has stopped single fullers and is marked "W.J. MCELROY GA" on the spine (usually on the pommel instead). The brass hilt has "R.M.C." (Superintendent Richard M. Cuyler of the Macon Arsenal) on the guard and a wire and leather wrapped grip. The iron scabbard has a dark body and brass hardware.

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Historic Antebellum Era Gilt W.H. Horstmann & Co. Patriotic Motif Sword and Scabbard Inscribed to Anti-Slavery U.S. Consul George William Gordon

Horstmann Sword Inscribed to U.S. Consul George W. Gordon

The reverse folding languet is inscribed "Geo. Wm. Gordon/United States, Consul." George William Gordon (1801-1877) served as U.S. Consul to Brazil from 1843 to 1846. "The New-England Genealogical Register" from 1878, his Boston Globe obituary from 1877, and the included printed copy of the pamphlet "The Record of George Wm. Gordon." printed by the State Committee of the National American Party identify Gordon as born in Exeter, New Hampshire. He was the valedictorian of the class of 1819 at the Phillips Exeter Academy. He was a prominent merchant in Boston starting in the 1830s and was a member of the city council. He was also postmaster of Boston in 1841-1843. From 1843 to 1846, he was U.S. consul for Brazil and stationed in Rio de Janeiro. After returning to Boston, he continued to work as a merchant and was appointed postmaster again in 1850-1853. In 1856, he ran for governor of Massachusetts as the American Party candidate and placed third. The pamphlet noted above is in the Library of Congress and was printed to promote his campaign for governor and focuses heavily on his work as U.S. Consul in Brazil and his work against the Atlantic slave trade and American ships participating in the trade. Importation of slaves into the U.S. had been illegal since 1808 and became a capital offense in 1820, but American slave traders and ships mainly based out of the northeast continued to bring loads of slaves to the Brazil which was by far the biggest market for African slaves even before the U.S. and United Kingdom outlawed the trade. Per "The Record," Gordon sent four captains and their officers of American ships involved in the trade to the U.S. for trial for illegally engaging in the international slave trade, but, as was typical in the period, rather than severe punishment or death, the men involved received a slap on the wrist if convicted at all. In fact, only one U.S. citizen was ever hung for involvement in the slave trade, Nathaniel Gordon (ironic but unrelated) in 1862. Others involved in the trade nonetheless worked to elude Gordon rather than risk arrest and confiscation of their cargo and ships, and Gordon did secure the freedom of some of the slaves brought over during his fairly brief time as consul and also purchased and promptly manumitted a woman and child who he then employed. In 1856-1873, he was an agent for the Liverpool & London and Globe Insurance Company in New England, and he was also the proprietor of the Berkshire Quartz Sand Mines starting in 1858. He is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The sword is patterned after the Model 1835 U.S. Revenue Marine Officers sword upgraded by Horstmann with mother of pearl scales and has a 29 3/4 inch straight blade with floral and classical martial motifs including an anchor on the revers side, a gilt brass hilt with folding languets (one in the shape of an spread wing patriotic bald eagle holding a stars and stripes shield and the other an oval with the inscription noted above), mainly cast floral patterns, patriotic shields on the pommel, and mother of pearl grip scales. The scabbard is black leather with gilt brass fittings engraved with floral designs on the drag and an eagle and shield motif on the mouth piece which has "W.H. HORSTMANN/& CO/NEW YORK" on the reverse.

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Ames Presentation Grade Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword and Gilt Engraved Presentation Grade Brass Scabbard

Ames Presentation Grade Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword

This is a presentation grade version of the standard U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer's sword of the 1850s and 1860s. Many of these would have been presented and worn during the Civil War. The 32 inch, lightly curved blade is etched with floral, classical martial, and patriotic motifs along with "Ames Mfg Co/Chicopee/Mass" on the obverse. The hilt is gilt brass with floral patterns and "US" and has a gold wire wrapped shagreen grip. The gilt brass scabbard has mainly floral engraving along with a spread wing eagle motif between the suspension bands. The reverse of the scabbard has a faint lightly scratched period "USM" inscription.

Historic Civil War C. Roby & Co. Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword and Scabbard Inscribed to Isaac Taylor of the 3rd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment

Isaac Taylor's C. Roby & Co. M1850 Staff & Field Officer Sword

This classic Civil War officer's sword has a lightly curved 31 1/8 inch blade with classic martial and floral etching, "Iron Proof." above the right ricasso, and "C Roby & Co/W Chelmsford/Mass" above the left ricasso. The gilt brass hilt has "US" and floral patterns and a plain and braided wire wrapped shagreen grip. The nickeled scabbard has gilt brass fittings, and the upper band has "C. ROBY & CO./W. CHELMSFORD, MASS" and "Isaac Taylor, 3rd Minn. Vol." The National Park Service Soldiers and Sailors Database records Isaac Taylor as a second lieutenant and later captain in Company H of the 3rd Minnesota Infantry. The unit was organized at Fort Snelling, Minn. in the fall of 1861. Most of the regiment was captured near Murfreesboro by Nathan Bedford Forrest's men on July 13, 1862, when they were guarding the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad and Colonel Henry C. Lester decided to surrender rather than fight. He and the other officers who supported the surrender were dismissed. After being paroled, they fought at the Battle of Wood Lake in the Dakota War and then returned east for garrison duty and then fought in the Siege of Vicksburg and capture of Little Rock and also fought in Arkansas at the Battle of Fitzhugh's Woods. During the war, they lost just 17 men killed or mortally wounded in action, but suffered the loss of 279 to disease. Many of the latter deaths occurred while they were stationed in a swampy area at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in the summer of 1864.

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Evans & Hassal Model 1850 Officer's Sword and Scabbard Presentation Inscribed to Lieutenant R.T. Williams

Evans & Hassal Model 1850 Officer's Sword and Inscribed Scabbard

The 32 1/4 inch, lightly curved blade has classical martial and patriotic etching, "EVANS & HASSAL/PHILADA" on the obverse ricasso, and "Iron Proof" etched on the spine. The gilt brass hilt has floral patterns, and the grip is wrapped in shagreen, smooth wire, and twisted wire. The scabbard has a leather body and gilt brass fittings. The reverse side is inscribed "Presented to/Lieut R.T. Williams/by the Members/of his Company" above the upper suspension band. Unfortunately no details on the unit are listed making it impossible to identify which R.T. Williams who fought to preserve the Union received this sword. A couple of possibilities are Lieutenant Robert T. Williams of Company C of the 4th Kentucky Mounted Infantry and Lieutenant Roswell T. Williams of Company I of the 197th Pennsylvania Infantry.

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Civil War Clauberg Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer's Sword with Scabbard Inscribed to J.R. Walker of the 45th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia

Inscribed Civil War Clauberg Model 1840 NCO Sword

This sword is a Model 1840 NCO sword with a 32 1/2 inch straight blade with some frosted patriotic and martial etching and a the Clauberg maker's mark on the left ricasso. The hilt has some floral engraving and does not have a languet on the left side. The black leather scabbard has floral engraved brass fittings and is inscribed "J.R. Walker./45 Reg M.V.M./from his/fellow clerks/Oct. 1862." James R. Walker as an orderly sergeant in Company K of the 45th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. He was 19 when he enlisted on Sept. 30, 1862, and mustered in on Oct. 7. He mustered out on July 7, 1863.

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Historic 1872 Dated Elaborate Gilt Presentation Grade W.H. Horstmann & Sons Officer's Sword and Scabbard Inscribed to Captain P.H. Jacobus of Company E of the 2nd Regiment Pennsylvania State National Guard

Horstmann Officer's Sword & Scabbard Inscribed to Capt. Jacobus

The sword has a 33 inch, lightly curved blade with floral, classical martial, and patriotic etching with a gilt finish and some contrasting bright designs, "IRON PROOF" on the spine, "W.H. HORSTMANN./& SONS/PHILADELPHIA" etched on the obverse ricasso, "CLAUBERG/SOLINGEN" and the knight maker's mark on the reverse ricasso, an ornate gilt brass hilt with mostly cast floral and eagle and shield designs, a Great Seal of the United States themed engraved silvered German silver grip, and iron scabbard with gilt brass fittings, inset vignettes of an eagle and shield and Columbia in the suspension bands, an inset vignette of Justice on the drag, and "Presented to/Capt. PH Jacobus, Co E 2nd Regt P.S.N.G./by the Members of his Command/as a token of Regard and Esteem/Decer 10th 1872." inscribed on the reverse side of the upper suspension band. Peter Henry Jacobus served in the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1857 through 1895. When the Civil War broke out, he first joined the 3 month 19th Pennsylvania Regiment in Company E as a first sergeant and then the 90th Pennsylvania as a captain. He was wounded in his right leg at the Second Battle of Bull Run on August 30, 1862, and was discharged due to disability in April 1863. In 1867, he rejoined the 2nd Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard and remained its captain until he retired. At the time of his retirement, he was senior captain in the whole of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He died in 1906. His obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that he was born in Germany and came to the U.S. as a young boy. In addition to his military service, he was on 3rd Street above Chestnut for around 40 years. He was a die sinker and engraver in Philadelphia in the partnership in Jacobus & Schell c. 1856-59 with John J. Schell and then on his own. His younger brother Philip was also an engraver. Among Captain Jacobus's known engraving works are George Washington commemorative calender medals with examples contained in the collections of Mt. Vernon and the Yale University Art Gallery as well as a Ulysses S. Grant campaign medal also in the latter's collection.

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Very Scarce Pair of Leather Pommel Holsters for a Pair of Wheelock Pistols

Pair of Leather Pommel Holsters for a Pair of Wheelock Pistols

Pommel holsters for early firearms are rarely available, especially those for wheellock pistols, and exist within few advanced collections. These holsters measure 18 1/2 and 19 inches and have barrel sections that appear to accommodate pistols with roughly 12 inch barrels. There are no identifying markings, but the exterior has a light checkered pattern. Each holster has one loop on one side and two loops on the opposite side. These holsters would have been mounted to a saddle on either side of the pommel where the pistols could easily be drawn by the rider. Wheellock pistols were the first firearms practical for cavalry as they could be kept loaded and ready and did not require a burning slow-match like the matchlocks of the 16th century. As loading while on horseback was difficult, especially in combat, a cavalryman would typically carry two pistols in his pommel holsters to allow for multiple shots before reloading and also edged weapons like a lance and/or sword. Using the "caracole" maneuver, cavalrymen would execute a turning attack and fire their pistols to inflict casualties upon the enemy, and then ride back to safety to reload and execute another attack. If the enemy faltered, they could then follow up with a cavalry charge. Other techniques included discharging their pistols into the enemy during a charge and then switching to their swords and/or lances. Once reliable flintlock pistols became available, wheellock pistols were largely replaced, but flintlock pistols were also commonly kept in holsters like these. In fact, pommel holsters remained in use through the American Civil War. Provenance: The Tom Lewis Collection

Ornate Relief Chiseled Shamshir Mounted Ottoman Style Backsword with Matching Relief Chiseled Scabbard

Ornate Relief Chiseled Shamshir Mounted Ottoman Style Backsword

Straight bladed swords such as this example, often of European origin, were popular to be carried in tandem with a more traditional curved blade throughout the Ottoman world into the 17th century and beyond. The single edged blade is 29 inches long with a single fuller just below the spine running nearly the entire length. There is a faint inscription on each side in the lower part of the fuller, the right appearing to say "ULUA FERDENANDO EU", and the left possibly marked "RE DELLE DUE SICILIE", which translates from Italian to "King of the two Sicilies" and could possibly date the blade to the early 19th century. The hilt is of a fairly typical shamshir/kilij style and is masterfully relief chiseled with floral patterns, scalloped finials on the guard, and small lugs on the lower quillion and pommel for attachment of a chain lanyard/knuckle guard which is now absent. The scabbard shows similar relief chiseled floral work, and both the hilt and scabbard show remnants of silver and gilt finishes throughout.

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Excellent Signed Tachi Length Japanese Sword with Yasutsugu School Markings

Signed Tachi Length Japanese Sword Yasutsugu School Marked

Measuring 38 1/4 inches overall with a 28 inch blade, which shows a strong, straight hamon, attractive grain, and a 9 inch long and deeply cut bo-hi groove on each side. The habaki is plain copper, with a round iron tsuba featuring gold accented woodland/shrine scenes and a three symbol signature on the underside (two cut symbols, one gold inlaid), similarly decorated fuchi bearing a different signature, figural scene on the kashira, and a set of clamshell/sea life themed menuki under the dark colored wrap. The saya is plain wood with a leather wrapping. The tang shows three (yes, three) mekugi-ana, with the bo-hi grooves running almost a full four inches below the habaki, a cut off signature (3 remaining symbols on the left, 2 on the right) on both sides, and an engraved "triple hollyhock" mon on the left side. While not documented, the use of the triple hollyhock in this manner is deeply associated with the bladesmith Yasutsugu and his students, who produced swords for the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, and in turn were granted permission to use the mon of the Tokugawa Clan on their blades. The production of Yasutsugu blades with the Tokugawa mon started in the early 1600s, with the family line of smiths in the capital of Edo going on into the 1860s. On other examples, this mon is found near or under the habaki, suggesting the lowest mekugi-ana is the original, and that the blade had been shortened upward of 5 1/2 inches during it's service life, which would put it at the upper end of tachi length and nearly odachi length when originally created.

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Massive Odachi Length Japanese Sword Blade with Shirasaya Fittings

Odachi Length Japanese Sword Blade with Shirasaya Fittings

Measuring 49 1/2 inches overall (inclusive of hilt), with an impressive cutting edge of about 36 3/8 inches length, and a width of about 1 3/8 inches and a spine thickness of nearly 1/3 of an inch, making for an impressively sized blade. A strong, wavy hamon is present, with subtle grain patterns and a serrated copper habaki. Fitted in a plain hardwood shirasaya set.

Attractive Signed Tanto Length Japanese Knife in Aikuchi Pattern Fittings

Attractive Signed Tanto Japanese Knife in Aikuchi Fittings

Measuring 13 1/2 inches overall with a 9 inch blade, showing a very strong, very straight hamon, attractive and vivid grain, a set of asymmetrical bo-hi grooves on the sides (wider and deeper on the right) and a silver finished two-piece habaki. Both the hilt and the saya are finished in fine black lacquer, the former with a silver chrysanthemum themed bolt in lieu of a mekugi and a silver wrap-around ornament engraved with rope patterns, and the saya has red and gold lacquer floral patterns, rope motifs, and a silver ornament shaped like a pair of chopsticks in the kogatana pocket. The tang is well aged, with a 6-symbol carved signature on the left side and a single mekugi-ana which cuts through the topmost symbol, suggesting a heavily shortened blade.

Exceptional Signed Katana Length Japanese Sword

Signed Katana Length Japanese Sword

Measuring 39 1/2 inches in overall length with a 28 1/4 inch blade showing a slightly wavy hamon set into a striped copper habaki. The tsuba is round iron construction, with 14 scallops around the edge and a pierced-through leaf design in the center. The fuchi and kashira are gold accented brass, with a pair of of dog themed menuki under the dark wrap. The saya is wrapped in textured black leather, with fittings decorated to match the hilt. The tang has one mekugi-ana, and a 12-figure carved signature on the left side.

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Attractive Signed Wakizashi Length Japanese Sword

Attractive Signed Wakizashi Length Japanese Sword

Measuring 29 inches overall with a 19 3/4 inch live edge, the blade features a very strong, slightly wavy hamon, a set of bo-hi grooves running nearly the full width and length of the flats, and a two piece copper habaki. The iron tsuba has a four-lobed profile, with a gold/shakudo accented scene of a small dog in a woodland. Similar construction/decoration is present on the fuchi and kashira, with a pair of leaf-theme menuki under the dark blue wrap. The saya is finished in black lacquer, and the included kogatana measuring 8 3/8 inches overall, with a signed 4 1/2 inch blade and a gold/shakudo handle with a scene of a large banner being created. The tang shows two mekugi-ana, with a 5-symbol engraving on the right side and 7 on the left, with the bo-hi on each side extending about a quarter inch past the habaki.

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Fine Signed Japanese Sword with Shin Gunto Mountings

Signed Japanese Sword with Shin Gunto Mountings

Measuring 35 1/2 inches long overall length, with a 25 inch blade, showing a wavy hamon and fine grain. The habaki is silver finished, engraved on both sides with a "sunwheel" pattern set in a nine-pointed star. The hilt follows the "shin gunto" regulation pattern, with a gold plated tsuba, gold accents on the furniture, a blue and brown tassel, and a silver badge of an 11 petaled chrysanthemum on the back of the kashira. The saya is equipped with shin gunto pattern furniture and finished with white lacquer dots on a black lacquer field. The assembly number "18" can be found on the hilt fittings, tsuba and spacers. The tang has one mekugi-ana, a carved 13-symbol signature on the right side and 6 on the right, with a second, shallower set of hand cut markings concealed underneath the habaki. No showa/non-traditional/arsenal stamps are present on the tang and no painted markings, suggesting a traditionally made sword. While the exact history of this sword is unknown, a number of traditional blades were still being made during World War II as resources permitted, as well as older sword blades being fitted with the new pattern furniture.

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Outstanding Presentation Grade N.P. Ames Model 1840 General Officer's Sword and Scabbard

N.P. Ames Model 1840 General Officer's Sword

Includes a description from Wes Small of The Horse Soldier in Gettysburg listing the sword as "the finest M1840 General Officer's Sword known to exist!" and providing details on two men named Egbert Tangier Smith from Long Island: one who lived 1796-1879 who was a major and paymaster in the Union Army in 1862 and later a special agent in Indian Territory and settled in Napa Valley, California and the second who lived 1822-1889 and was involved in politics on Long Island and was reportedly offered an appointment as a general for the Union by President Lincoln but turned it down. Small is in favor of the latter being the man who owned the sword and suggests he may have purchased it for himself and may have been a member of a local militia unit. The two men were not father and son but were related, possibly cousins. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle's obituary of the latter references Lincoln offering him a commission as general and also states he received an Legum Doctorate in honor of his services and was one of the largest land holders in the state. An E. T. Smith of Smithtown won a diploma for the best light wagon in 1843 per the New York State Agricultural Society and the American Institute. The sword dates to c. 1840-1847. The 32 1/4 inch, straight, single-edged blade is etched with floral and patriotic patterns. The right side has "N.P. Ames/Cutler/Springfield" above the ricasso. The hilt is gilt brass with floral designs and cast silver "wire" pattern grip. The languets have “E.T. Smith” and “E.T. Smith/Smithtown LI.” The gilt scabbard also has "ETS" on the reverse between the throat and upper suspension band and floral and eagle and shield motif engraving.

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Silver Plated, Engraved, and Etched Ball, Black & Co./Collins & Co. Officer's Sword and an Ornate and Inscribed Scabbard Presented to Capt. Spencer W. Richardson of the 44th Massachusetts Volunteers

Capt. Spencer W. Richardson's Presentation Sword

The right side of the scabbard is inscribed "Presented by the Members & Friends of the/MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSN/of Boston/To Capt. Spencer W. Richardson/Co. E/44th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers raised under/the auspices of the Association." The association ran a subscription library and hosted lecture series which included notable figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Ward Beecher among many others. Spencer Welles Richardson enlisted in the 44th Massachusetts Militia for nine months as captain of Company E in August 1862. The regiment served with the 18th Corps in the Department of North Carolina and mustered out in June 1863. They saw light action in the war and suffered only 11 casualties. Richardson was reported to have been shot twice in the arm while leading his men during the Battle of Washington in April 1863. The scabbard also has a pair of goats holding the upper two suspension rings, a bestial ornament just below, bald eagle accent by the lower ring, laurel accent further down, a profile of Athena on an accent down near the drag, and scrollwork drag. The body of the scabbard is silver plated and has a stand of arms up top, the inscription surrounded by scrollwork, a representation of Columbia, and additional scrollwork. The sword has a 31 inch lightly curved blade with floral, geometric, and patriotic etching along most of the length on both sides, "12" marked on the base of the spine, and "BALL, BLACK/&Co/N.Y." etched above the left ricasso which is stamped "COLLINS & CO/HARTFORD/CONN." The hilt has a silver plated guard and pommel with a lion head on the finial, female face on the pommel with snakes coming down from her blowing hair and wrapping around her neck (Medusa or one of her Gorgonian sisters), and floral scrollwork. The grip is brass wire wrapped shark skin.

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Historic Civil War C. Roby & Co. Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword and Scabbard Inscribed to Lieut. C.D. Rogers of the 24th Wisconsin Infantry in 1862 with Sword Belt

Lt. C.D. Rogers's C. Roby & Co. Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword

The sword is a classic Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword and has a 31 3/4 inch blade with floral and martial etching, "IRON PROOF" on the spine, "C. Roby & Co/W. Chelmsford/Mass" above the left ricasso. The brass hilt has floral engraving, and a wire wrapped shagreen grip. The black leather scabbard has brass fittings, and it is inscribed "Presented to/Lieut. C.D. Rogers/by the members of/Co. B. 24th Regt. Wis. Vols./Aug. 30th 1862." on the mouthpiece. Also included is a leather sword belt with gilt brass Union eagle buckle and hangers. A copy of a pension document for Charles D. Rogers is included listing him as born on January 25, 1843, in Milwaukee and was a clerk in Milwaukee before enlisting on January 1, 1862, in the 15th Wisconsin and subsequently on August 21, 1862, in the 24th Wisconsin. He returned to Milwaukee after being discharged in April 1864 and worked in real estate. He died in 1918. The 24th Wisconsin was organized at Milwaukee and mustered in August 1862. The sword's date indicates it was presented during the organization and mustering of the unit before they departed for Louisville, Kentucky, on September 5, 1862. They fought at Stone's River, Chickamauga, Franklin, Nashville, Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga. Lt. Arthur MacArthur, Jr., the father of General Douglas MacArthur, received the Medal of Honor for leading the 24th up Missionary Ridge at the battle of Chattanooga when he was just 19 years old.

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Presentation Grade Schuyler, Hartley & Graham/W. Clauberg Staff & Field Officer Style Sword with Scabbard Inscribed to a Civil War Captain E. A. Robinson from the Crew of the U.S.S. Wilderness in 1864

Civil War Captain E. A. Robinson's Presentation Sword

Manufactured by W. Clauberg of Solingen and sold by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York, this sword measures 35 inches overall, with a 29 3/8 inch double fuller blade with etched patriotic decoration on both sides and "IRON PROOF" on the spine. The guard and pommel are cast brass, with cut-through scroll/"USN" designs on the guard and a laurel wreath on the pommel. The grip is wire wrapped. Includes a leather scabbard, fitted with brass furniture and inscribed "Presented To/Capt E.A. Robinson/from the crew/U.S.S. Wilderness,/1864" on the throat. No information has been found on Captain E. A. Robinson at this time. The U.S.S. Wilderness (previously the B. N. Creary) was commissioned on July 20th, 1864 and assigned to the 2nd Division of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron under the Union Army. By late October, the ship was armed with four 24-pounders, and on October 31, 1864, had its first bit of action off of New Inlet, North Carolina where it chased down and captured the British blockade-runner Annie, firing its cannons the whole way in pursuit. While loading the prisoners from Annie and all of its valuables, the Confederates at nearby Fort Fisher opened fire on the Wilderness and damaged the rim of the gunboat's port wheel. After being repaired, the Wilderness would later take part in the first attempt to capture Fort Fisher. On December 23rd, 1864, the Wilderness towed the steamer Louisiana, which was stripped and filled with explosives, close to the walls of Fort Fisher, where a fire was lit on the Louisiana and men escaped in small boats to the Wilderness before the explosion, which would only cause a large shock wave. The next few days, while the Union soldiers attacked the fort, the Wilderness took on board the wounded and the bodies of the sailors who had been killed on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and U.S.S. Juniata.

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Henry Osborn Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Saber with Scabbard

Henry Osborn Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Saber

This pattern of sword is among the most famous associated with the British cavalry and was well-regarded for the tremendous power of its cuts and saw significant use during the Napoleonic Wars. It was widely imitated, including by the Germans in the First World War. The heavy iron scabbard has "Henry Osborn/Sword Cutler/Bordesley Near/Birmingham" on the obverse above the upper suspension band. The 32 1/2 inch, curved, single fuller blade which properly widens in the tip section for more powerful cuts is marked with Henry Obsorn's markings, niter blue panels with scroll and martial etching accented with gold. The iron hilt is fitted with a silver wire and black leather wrapped grip. The sword, not including the scabbard, weighs just under 2 pounds.

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Gold and Stone Inlaid Zlatoust Shashka Saber with Sheath

Gold and Stone Inlaid Zlatoust Shashka Saber

Manufactured at the Zlatoust Arms factory in Zlatoust, Russia. The shashka is the national sword of Russia, originating from the Caucasus mountains and gaining popularity with Russian soldiers. This ultimately led to it being adopted as the standard issue saber of the Russian army. The blade is made of Damascus style stainless steel and is adorned with gold inlaid floral scroll and geometric patterns as well as the crest of Imperial Russia. The grip is decorated with more gold inlaid floral scroll, a cross in a wreath at the pommel, and red and blue stones. The sheath is similarly decorated with floral and Imperial Russian designs, including the Imperial Russian crest, as well as red and blue stones. Included with the saber is a hardwood presentation case and Russian paperwork describing the saber.

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Gold and Stone Inlaid Zlatoust "King Cobra" Short Sword with Sheath

Gold and Stone Inlaid Zlatoust "King Cobra" Sword

Manufactured at the Zlatoust Arms factory in Zlatoust, Russia. This sword features floral gold inlay on the Bulat style stainless steel blade. The hilt, guard, grip, and pommel feature floral and snake skin gold adornment with profuse red stones. The D-guard is made in the shape of a king cobra's head and hood with red stones for eyes. The sheath also features floral and snake skin embellishment with profuse red stones. Included with the sword is a presentation case and Russian paperwork describing the sword.

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Attractive Signed Katana Length Japanese Sword with Tribute/Shrine Quality Fittings

Signed Katana Length Japanese Sword

Measuring 38 1/2 inches overall with a 27 3/4 blade, showing a strong, slightly wavy hamon, attractive grain, and an asymmetrical set of bo-hi grooves, the left showing a thin groove running a loop from habaki and tip, the right showing a thin groove looping halfway back from the tip and meeting a single broad groove. The habaki is two piece construction, the outer section made of brass with sculpted ocean waves and the inner section made of darkened metal with pierced-through designs of a wheel mounted with a set of hammers or buckets. The tsuba has a four-lobed profile and multi-piece construction, with an iron core, darkened silver outer edge, and silver and gilt spacers. The fuchi and habaki are both silver plated, with a set of gilt and silver menuki featuring the "triple hollyhock" design under the light cord wrap. The "triple hollyhock" is most famously associated with the Tokugawa Clan and their namesake period of Shogunate rule, and was known to have been used by favored supporters with the Clan's permission. The saya is finished in alternating stripes of matte and gloss black lacquer, with silver furniture, white and purple suspension cord with silver chrysanthemum ornaments, and a repeating motif in gold lacquer of chrysanthemum surrounded by 3 butterflies. As the triple hollyhock is associated with Tokugawa, the mum is associated with both the person and the office of the Emperor of Japan. The tang has two mekugi-ana, the lower of the two filled with a gold plug, and a gold inlaid two-symbol signature on the right side.

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Signed Edo Era Wakizashi Length Japanese Sword with Case and NTHK Certification

Signed Edo Era Japanese Wakizashi with NTHK Certification

Measuring 29 1/2 inches overall with a 21 inch live edge, the blade features a strong, wavy hamon, attractive and vivid grain, a set of asymmetrical bo-hi grooves on each side (deeper on the left) and a silver plated habaki. The iron tsuba is round, with golden leaf and vine accents, and the fuchi and kashira are sliver with a pebble texture and gold accents. A pair of horse themed menuki are present under the brown cord. The saya is finished with black lacquer and silver accents, with a repeating motif of paulownia leaves using a 6-12-7 flower arrangement; similar paulownia arrangements have been used as family mons and national symbols from antiquity to the modern day. The included kogatana is 8 3/8 inches overall, with a 4 1/2 inch signed blade and darkened copper handle. The tang has two mekugi-ana, and is engraved on both sides, 8 symbols on the left and 5 on the right. A set of paperwork from the NTHK (both the fine "origami" presentation paperwork and the examiner's worksheet, with numbered envelope) is included, identifying the sword to the Edo period (roughly 1700) and naming the smith as a "Kawachi (no) Kami Fujiwara Terutsugo" active in the Mino region. The blade was rated at 70 points, qualifying for "Kantei Sho" (authentic) level certification. Also included is a green cloth sword case with fan-themed decorations and a gray cord.

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Fine Signed Meiji Era Japanese Tanto Length Knife Blade with NTHK Certification

Signed Meiji Era Japanese Tanto Blade with NTHK Certificate

Measuring 13 1/4 inches overall with a 9 1/4 inch live edge, the blade features a very strong, very straight hamon, attractive and vivid grain, and a nearly straight spine. A single mekugi-ana is present in the tang, which is signed with 6 carved symbols on the right and 7 on the left. The furniture follows the shirasaya pattern, with an integral wooden habaki in the grip. A set of paperwork from the NTHK (both the fine "origami" presentation paperwork and the examiner's worksheet, with numbered envelope) is included, identifying the left side marking as the signature "Mishina Minamoto Hisamichi Saku" (a smith of the Mishina school, not positively identified), and the right side marking as the date "Meiji 3 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi" (3rd year and 8th month of the Meiji era, approximately 1871). The blade was rated at 70 points, qualifying for "Kantei Sho" (authentic) level certification.

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Wakizashi Length Japanese Sword with Case and NTHK Paperwork

Wakizashi Length Japanese Sword with NTHK Paperwork

Measuring 30 1/2 inches overall with a 21 inch live edge, the blade features a strong, wavy hamon, attractive and vivid grain, and a silver plated habaki. The blackened copper tsuba is octagonal, and the fuchi and kashira are of similar construction with gold accent leaf designs. A pair of gold accented menuki depicting men in boats are present under the brown cord. The saya is finished in a mixed brown lacquer with iridescent accents and copper lacquer floral motifs. The tang has one mekugi-ana, with an inlaid metal, two-symbol, signature. An included NTHK worksheet describes this signature as "Kanemoto", but lists it as fake. While not granted certification, the evaluators estimated the item as being of the Edo period, Darani school, Kaga province. A cloth case with floral motifs is included.

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Attractive Signed Katana-Length Japanese Blade with Shirasaya Fittings

Attractive Signed Katana-Length Japanese Blade

Measuring 34 1/4 inches overall with a 25 3/4 inch live edge, the blade features a very strong, wavy hamon and attractive and vivid grain. A single mekugi-ana is present in the tang, which is signed with 8 carved symbols on the right and 7 on the left. The furniture follows the shirasaya pattern, with an ebony accent piece on one side of the mekugi-ana, a separate hardwood habaki, and a set of untranslated black paint markings on the saya.

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Fine Tachi Length Japanese Sword with NTHK Certificate

Tachi Length Japanese Sword, NTHK Certified

Measuring 41 inches overall with a 29 3/4 blade, showing a strong, straight hamon and a copper habaki. While not perfectly straight, the blade shows a much lower amount of curvature than a typical Japanese sword, inviting comparison to the semi-mythical "ninjato" sword pattern. The iron tsuba has a square profile, rounded corners, and a faint woodland engraving pattern, a raised sword design is present on the fuchi, the kashira has a gold accented dragon engraving, a brass cord swivel with a WWII-style orange and brown cord has been added, and a pair of spear or oar themed menuki are present under the blue/green wrap. The saya is finished in black enamel, with a leather exterior wrap. The tang is unsigned, with a single mekugi-ana. Per the included documents from the NTHK (original certificate with envelope and an undated copy of the inspection worksheet), this sword was rated at a score of 70 points (kantei level), with the work dated to the Bakumatsu period and attributed to the smith "Yoshisada Chikanori". The Bakumatsu period was the tail end of Edo and a time of massive change and chaos, culminating in the Boshin War and the re-assertion of Imperial power.

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Attractive Signed Eiroku Era (16th Century) Japanese Tanto Length Knife Blade with NTHK Certification

Signed 16th Century Tanto Blade with NTHK Papers

Measuring 16 inches overall with an 11 1/2 inch live edge, the blade features a strong, slightly wavy hamon, attractive and vivid grain, and a 3 inch long horimono on each side depicting a bald man wearing a head dress. A silver plated habaki is present, decorated with slanted serrations. The tang has two mekugi-ana and is engraved on both side. The furniture is of the shirasaya pattern, with ebony and bone trim/reinforcement. A set of paperwork from the NTHK (both the fine "origami" presentation paperwork and the examiner's worksheet, with numbered envelope) is included, identifying the left side marking as the signature "Bizen Kuni ju Osafune Kiyomitsu" (a smith of the Bizen school, active from 1558 to 1570), and the right side marking as the date "Eiroku 3 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi" (3rd year and 8th month of the Eiroku era, approximately 1561). The blade was rated at 70 points, qualifying for "Kantei Sho" (authentic) level certification.

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Edo Era Katana Length Japanese Sword with NTHK Certification

Edo Era Katana Length Japanese Sword with NTHK Certification

Measuring 38 inches overall with a 27 1/2 inch blade, showing a jagged hamon and a silver plated habaki. The tsuba and hilt follow the kyu-gunto military pattern, with blackened brass tsuba, gold washed furniture, a brown tassel and flat "triple cherry blossom" menuki under the green cord wrap. The saya is finished with a mosaic of polished iridescent panels (possibly mother of pearl or abalone) set in a black lacquer field, with engraved silver furniture. A repeating "112" assembly number is present on the tsuba and the spacers. The tang is unsigned, with a pair of mekugi-ana. A set of paperwork from the NTHK (both the fine "origami" presentation paperwork and the examiner's worksheet, with numbered envelope) is included, noting the blade as "mumei" (unsigned) and proposing production during the Edo period (about 1700), in the Seki school in the Echizen region.

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