3597

EXTRAORDINARY REPUBLIC OF MEXICO NAVAL OFFICER'S

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
EXTRAORDINARY REPUBLIC OF MEXICO NAVAL OFFICER'S

SWORD BY AMES. Overall length: 35 3/4". Blade length: 29". This absolutely gorgeous sword was produced by Ames, likely between 1824-1835 during the 1st Mexican Republic. During the 11 year life of the 1st Mexican Republic, many American naval officers, as well as some foreign naval officers were employed by the government of Mexico to lead the nation's navy. US Navy Captain David Porter resigned from service after an authorized invasion of Puerto Rico and actually led the Navy of the 1st Mexican Republic from 1826-1829 and many other American officers served with him. We can assume that this fabulous sword was carried by one of those officers, if not Captain Porter himself. The blade has a raised medial ridge that transforms into a central narrow fuller for the top 12" of the sword. The blade is etched over 2/3 of its length with various military, patriotic and foliate motifs including a large anchor and an American eagle holding an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in its beak. A panel near the ricasso is etched, "N.P. Ames Cutler Springfield". The hilt consists of a heavily gilded, eagle crossguard fully articulated in 3 dimensions on both sides. The knuckle bow is a very ornate chain terminating in a heavily gilded, well articulated, plumed knight's head. The grip is solid silver and heavily embellished with foliate and geometric motifs. The scabbard also is completely heavily gilded with scabbard rings, suspension rings and an oval frog stud embellished with a naval anchor. The scabbard is etched with foliate motifs over much of its length and boasts a large Mexican eagle between the scabbard rings. The eagle has a large snake in its beak and is perched on cactus leaves above a naval anchor, surrounded by the words, "REPUBLICA MEXICANA". The reverse of the scabbard has a scroll at the top that reads, "N.P. AMES CUTLER SPRINGFIELD MASS.". CONDITION: blade shows original factory polish throughout with complete and unblemished frosty etching. The hilt retains virtually 100% of its original gilded finish. The grip is tarnished and shows only exceedingly slight wear. Scabbard retains nearly all of its original gilding and the engraving is exceptionally clear and bold. The seams have a bit of discoloration that will likely clean. (02-17665/BF). $4,000-6,000.