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M1840 Civil War NCO Sword

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:125.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 450.00 USD
M1840 Civil War NCO Sword
Emerson and Silver of Trenton, NJ, were prolific sword makers during the war, supplying, among other patterns, 12,009 Model 1840 noncommissioned officer’s swords to the government from 1862 to 1864. They were innovators in using steel scabbards, naturally far more robust than the standard leather, and used the same brass throat and drag, secured by small screws. This is a Model 1840 N.C.O. sword. In very good overall condition, these swords were carried by Federal non-commissioned officers as a sign of authority in the ranks. Sword is approximately 39” long and has a metal scabbard. The 32” long straight sword blade is bright with no nicks. The ricasso bears a strong Emerson & Silver, Trenton, NJ stamp on one side and “U.S. / DFM / 1862” on the other. The sword’s brass hilt features a simulated wire-wrap grip, a double shell-style guard, and a single-branch knuckle bow. Inspector’s initials (DFM) are again found on the knuckle bow. Brass has an uncleaned, mellow bronze patina. Original leather washer is gone.

Metal scabbard is in fine condition, bearing a very dark patina and fitted with brass drag and throat. There are a few dents in the drag and the inspector’s initials are again found on the drag. Belt hook remains on throat piece. Blade has some scattered spots of light pitting, some flaking at the tip.