Sword and scabbard

ca. 1861

Place madeChicopee, Massachusetts, United States, North America

Steel, brass, mother of pearl, gilding; brass, gilding

Overall: 40 in. × 6 1/8 in. × 1 1/8 in. (101.6 × 15.6 × 2.9 cm)

Gift of the New York Caledonian Club

1934.117ab

DescriptionPresentation sword with straight, double-edged steel blade with etched designs on obverse and reverse; blade is elliptical in cross section and has a narrow central fuller that runs from hilt to mid-point of blade; gilded brass hilt with grip faced with mother of pearl plaques; cross quillons, which are baluster-shaped with bud finials, separated by large langets on obverse and reverse; langet on obverse side is shield-shaped with crossed cannons(?) in relief in upper compartment and a castle in relief in lower compartment, while langet on reverse is smaller, simpler in shape, and undecorated; gilded brass pommel in the form of a large conventionalized helmet, with chain attached below chin to finial of quillon below; gilded brass scabbard with highly decorated mounts including upper band with central shield and two carrying rings, middle band with central wreath and one carrying ring, oak leaf and acorn spray applied at tip, and symmetrical drag with molded leaf design; obverse of scabbard with engraved inscription between upper and middle bands.

Markingsetched: on reverse of blade below hilt: "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass." stamped: on throat of scabbard (reverse side): "AMES / MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS" engraved: on obverse of scabbard: "Presented / to / Lieut. David Ireland / Adjutant of the 79th / Regt. Highland guard / N.Y.S.M. by the / Non Commissioned / officers & privates / of the Regiment / July 4th 1861"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD