Field Officer's Sword and Scabbard

ca. 1857

Place madeChicopee, Massachusetts, United States, North America

Steel, brass, fish skin; steel, brass

Overall: 40 x 5 x 3 1/2 in. ( 101.6 x 12.7 x 8.9 cm )

Gift of the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York, through Major Kenneth Miller

1951.380ab

According to the accession records, this sword was worn by Lt.-Colonel William H. Kipp, ex. Co. D, 7th Regiment, National Guard New York. Kipp served the 7th Regiment from 1857 to 1908.

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; brass half-basket hilt with openwork flower and scroll design incorporating initials "US" on obverse side and quillon with scroll finial; grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; helmet-shaped pommel with leaf border centering a flower; blackened steel scabbard with brass mounts consisting of upper band with carrying ring, middle band with carrying ring, and tip with drag.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade: "Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass" etched: on reverse of blade: "US" stamped: on upper band of scabbard (reverse side): "AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD