MILITIA OFFICER'S SWORD NICKLE SILVER HILT Ca 1830 -1850 From the Philip Medicus Collection Documented and pictured in Peterson's Presented is a very rare sword of which only a few are known to exist. It has a hand tooled bone grip with geometric designs, unusual pistol style pommel, and chain guard, and is made from what we believe to be Nickel or German Silver. Even though it is unmarked, an exact duplicate was made by Ames Manufacturing Co., of Cabotsville, Massachusetts. Both have these distinctive features: Pistol grip pommel  Acorn finals on the quillions  Shell shaped langets Nickel Silver Hilt common to the infantry, Diamond section scabbard Brass tipped scabbard Norm Flayderman classified this sword on September 8, 1956 as, "U.S. Militia Officer's sword and scabbard, 1830-1850, white brass pommel hilt with pistol grip pommel." This is the sword that appears on page 225, plate 109a of the definitive work on the Medicus Collection, "American Swords from the Collection of Philip Medicus", by Norm Flayderman, Stuart Mowbray, 1998.    However, white brass is much too brittle to be used for a sword so we believe that it is either German Silver or Nickel Silver, both of which are a copper, nickel and maybe some Zinc alloy, that dates back to the late 18th Century in Germany. The metal became available in Birmingham, England in 1832 when it was developed to compete with the German's, and shortly thereafter in the United States. Flayderman is in good company since this sword is an exact duplicate of what Harold L. Peterson describes on page 78 and 79 of his authoritative book, “The American Sword, 1775-1945“.  It is pictured on page 79 as illustration 70. The example in Peterson's book was made by Ames in Cabotsville, Massachusetts. This one is unmarked, but an exact duplicate.  As described in detail in Peterson's, The American Sword. 1775-1945“ His example is by Ames. DIMENSIONS: Length in scabbard overall 36"  Length of blade 33" Width 1" Thickness 1/4" Length overall 29 3/4" The hilt is 4 5/8"  Weight Saber 1 lb 4 1/2 oz                      Weight in scabbard 2 lb 1 oz Its thoroughly documented history should appeal to a collector seeking the most unusual and highest quality with a known provenance to add to a collection of the finest, and is prepared to pay for this privilege. BLADE DESIGNS: The steel, etched blade has complex etched designs of American Heraldry consisting of etched American Shields and eagle, Flags, Cannon barrels and Oak leaves with other sprayed foliage.   On the obverse there is a banner with E. Pluribus Unum over a large, right facing, American eagle with shield, and fig leaves and arrows in its talons. Below that is a cartouche comprised of drums, cannon and spike all profusely decorated with foliage.   On the reverse, closest to the hilt is a cartouche with cannons, drums, crossed flags and pikes. Above that is an American shield with pikes and a cannon barrel. All are surrounded by floral designs.   BLADE CONDITION: The double edged, deeply etched blade, has no maker's mark. Both sides of the forward part have dark pitting.       American Shields and eagle, Flags, Cannon barrels and Oak leaves with other sprayed foliage   The original nickel plated scabbard is in excellent condition with only one dent towards the tip on the reverse. Both suspension rings and its brass metal tip and mounts are present. Nickel electroplating was prevalent by 1840 which helps for dating.   The tang comes through the top of the pommel. The hilt is loose, but with a proper work bench can be tightened by peening the tang. The museum's accession number, E 56.3.4, appears on the front of the crossguard on the side with the back strap.               Distinctive features are Mameluke pommel, acorn quillions, and shell langets   PROVENANCE: Purchased by Norm Flayderman, Wallingford Hall, Kennebunk, Maine on September 8, 1956; "From the most important American Sword Collection of Philip Medicus, New York, New York". Then to a museum, Accession number 56.3.4. Deacession to benefit the Museum Collection Fund.   Ref. Flayderman, Norm. "American Swords From the Philip Medicus Collection". Mowbray Publishers, 1998. Page 225, plates 109, 109a.      Features of Hilt showing chain guard, museum accession number and Naval & Marine emblems                  Diamond shaped scabbard with brass lower mount and tipped drag                    An exceptional Private Issue sword made for the American Market of Unusual Design     SHIPPING this very rare item will require a secure, insured method and will be determined after purchase. OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but you are responsible for knowing the import laws of your country. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item. Copyright 2010 - 2009 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved