Sword and scabbard

ca. 1856

Place madeChicopee, Massachusetts, United States, North America

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

Overall: 38 x 5 1/8 x 2 in. ( 96.5 x 13 x 5.1 cm )

Gift of Charles G. Edmonds

1948.5ab

This sword was presented March 4, 1856, to Benjamin G. Edmonds (1821-1895), the donor's father, by the Brooklyn City Cadets (Co. E, 13th Regiment, New York State Militia).

DescriptionPresentation sword with straight, double-edged steel blade with narrow, half-length central fuller and etched designs on obverse and reverse; gilded brass hilt with cross quillons with disk finials (one facing downward toward blade and one facing upward toward hilt) cast in one piece with shell-shaped counter-guard with shield-breasted eagle molded in relief, which is angled downward over blade on obverse side; grips faced with mother of pearl plaques and wrapped with twisted wire; pommel in the form of a conventionalized helmet with two chains extending from chin strap to finial of quillons below; gilded brass scabbard with two carrying rings adjacent to upper mount with foliate decoration, one carrying ring adjacent to middle mount with circular eagle medallion, acorn and oak leaf spray mounted at tip, and leaf and scroll-molded drag; reverse of scabbard with engraved inscription.

Markingsstamped: on throat of scabbard (reverse side): "AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS" engraved: on reverse of scabbard: "Presented to / Capt. Benj. G. Edmonds / by the / Brooklyn City Cadets / Co. E 13th Regt. N.Y.S.M. / March 4th 1856" etched: on obverse of blade: "E Pluribus / Unum" on banner (part of eagle insignia) etched: on reverse of blade near hilt: "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD