Dealers of Antique and Civil War Swords. Buyer and Appraiser of Confederate, Tiffany and Ames Swords

4000 - I feel extremely fortunate to be offering the "Richard Johnson Collection of United States Officers Swords" on my website. I have known Dick for nearly 20 years and have found him to be one of the most educated collectors that I have ever met. Maybe even more impressive to me is that Dick is, and has always been, a consumate gentleman. The impression that Dick leaves with everyone he meets has always been extremely positive and long-lasting. My wife loves him to death and both of us feel lucky to be regarded as his friends. He is still in great health and enjoying his life as I write, but he feels it's time divest of his collection to pursue other interests. The scope and quality of Dick's collection deem it as one of the best ever assembled, rivaling the famed "Medicus Collection" brought to market by the most popular military dealer in modern history, Norm Flayderman, in the 1950's. Although Dick's collection is not as large, the extreme rarity of some of Dick's swords is incomparable and over 50 are inscribed to Military Officers. This may be the last of the great sword collections ever offered all at once and presents a unique opportunity to our clientele. If you see something you like, give us a call.
Richard Johnson biography by Author John H. Thillmann. Having assembled one of the finest collections of American Swords in private hands over the 60+ years that he actively sought only the best examples of American Militaria, Dick Johnson has finally decided that it's time to let others have the joy of owning his treasures in 2010. He asked me, John Thillmann, his long-time friend and whom Dick had tutored on American Swords, to develop a program for disposing of the collection. Our discussions lead to bringing Michael Simens into the picture. Michael as a dealer has a reputation for handling only the best items and also has the finest internet Militaria site on the web. So, today the Dick Johnson collection is being offered here on this site and no where else. Dick’s collection is and always has been focused on one thing—quality. He only bought the best and he used the mantra “I pay tomorrows prices today” so that he could get the best. His collection spans the period of American Swords from the 1790’s through about 1900 but focuses on the golden age of American swords of 1830 through 1865. Dick’s fascination with the American sword resulted in ground breaking research in the field so he was the expert whom others consulted. As a resident of the Northern Virginia area for much of his life, Dick was close to most of the premier Civil War and Militaria Shows where fine American Swords were and are occassionally still available. He was and is a superb researcher, writer, authority and author. Dick graduated from the US Military Academy with the goal of being a logician with Quartermaster duty as he felt it was one of the military disciplines that translated into civilian life. After the clean-up of WWII in Germany, his first real Army campaign was with the Berlin Air Lift but he also served in Korea and Viet Nam as Chief of Plans and Operations decorated with the Legion of Merit. Knowing that he needed a civilian career, he received a Masters Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Chiago and this is also when he began his serious research on US military regulations. He purchased his first antique firearm, an 1807 Harpers Ferry pistol from Glode Requa in 1950 for $185.00. By the 1970’s he slowly transitioned from an extensive collection of firearms and an extraordinary white buff leather collection to concentrate on American swords. The rest is history. He has been instrumental in forging long lasting friendships among the premiere American arms collectors of the second half of the 20th Century and he and Andy Mowbray have been instrumental in beginning serious research into the American Sword in the last 35 years. Dick conducted ground-breaking research into the first US contracts for Army sabers in 1839 and identified the actual sword models of 1834 through US Archives research. His body of published work was based upon research as only an academically trained author would carry out and it instilled that focus in others. His work influenced many others and among them was me. I took Dicks absolute focus on research into my two definitive sword reference books for which Dick was both the principle editor and a primary reference associate, Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers and The Civil War Army Swords. Dick is a member of the two most prestigious American Militaria Societies, the American Society of Arms Collectors and the Company of Military Historians and has been a member of many other Antique Weapons associations and societies over the years. - - - John H. Thillmann May 7, 2010

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- WELCOME TO THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION OF FINE AMERICAN OFFICERS SWORDS AND SABRES SPANNING THE PERIOD from 1790 - 1906.
ALL ITEMS ARE PRICED AS MARKED PLUS SHIPPING.

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3117 - RARE, TIFFANY CIVIL WAR SWORD WITH CANNON-BARREL HILT PRESENTED TO MAJOR, AND LATER GENERAL LEMAN W. BRADLEY BY THE 64TH NEW YORK.
As a weapon of high embellishment, this is without doubt, the highest grade sword we have ever offered due to the many features that it encompasses. Tiffany made a number of spectacular swords but perhaps the most intriguing, desirable and most sought after is the cannon-hilt or cannon-barrel gripped sword. Simply put, about the pinnacle of any sword collection would be this sword. There are only 4 known to exist, with all 4 being presented to Officers that attained the minimum rank of Brig. General. This exact sword can be found on page 522 and 523 of Civil War Army Swords by John Thillmann for additional details. From the hilt, one can see the care that went into sculpting a three dimensional cannon barrel in scale, of solid silver. Note also that at the base of the barrel and forming a ferrule are 6 cannon balls, a wonderful design. The pommel is a beautifully formed and lifelike eagle standing on a cannon ball as well. The ribbon in its beak falls onto the knuckle bow and drapes it. The knuckle bow is a draped laurel with Medusa's face at the center. The counter guard is a spectacular relief cast set of flags and drapes with a US Shield superimposed upon the whole—all gilt in polished and frosted gold. The blade is John Orr etched. The scabbard is sterling silver with beautiful large mounts, all gilt. The mounts are of allegorical twisted lightening bolts also found on the knuckle bow of the Model 1860 Staff sword and on Roman Legionaries shields. The drag is relief cast with a cannon as the motif. The condition of the entire sword is "near mint". It is difficult to describe how impressive this sword looks in person. It is massive and appears as a high-art piece of the finest Tiffany Jewelry. All in all, this is a breathtaking and wonderful sword and it should reside in one of the finest American Arms collections as it simply cannot be improved upon! I have no doubts it soon will. Cased, it would easily be priced in the mid-$100,000.00 range and we believe we may know where the original case is to this sword and are in the process of tracking it down. The buyer of this sword will have first refusal on the case and any original accessories, if acquired. Major Bradley was mustered in as a First Lieutenant and rose to the rank of Colonel throughout the war, being brevetted Brig. Gen. in 1865. He had a spectacular history including being wounded twice, first at Fair Oaks in 1862 and then again at Spottsylvania in 1863. Major Bradley took over the regiment at Gettysburg when the Colonel was wounded and commanded the regiment until he was mustered out in October of 1864. This one won't last long. THIS SWORD IS FROM THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION WHICH HAS ITS OWN SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE. TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN, "RICHARD JOHNSON" ICON. PLEASE NOTE; I am interested in acquiring presentation grade Tiffany Civil War Swords such as this one. If you own or know of a deluxe presentation sword such as this, please feel free to contact me at 216-541-4111, 11AM - 9PM Eastern Time.

ON HOLD !!!
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3116 - EAGLE-HEAD MILITIA STAFF OFFICERS SWORD WITH PEARL GRIP, BY FLETCHER & GARDINER.
This Early form of Militia Staff Eagle pommel sword is by Fletcher and Gardiner. The style is certainly militia staff but the counter guard clearly identifies this as a sword for an artillery officer. The overall guard with mother of pearl grip, wonderful eagle quillon and rarely seen artillery counter guard make this eagle pommel sword hilt wonderful. The blade makes a sword as the expression goes among sword collectors and this blade is no exception as it is in wonderful condition with beautiful etching on a frosted background. The American Eagle is especially fine. This sword has elements of Widmann in its style especially with the knuckle bow and ferrule of the hilt and the scabbard with its embossed finish. If Widmann made the sword, it was retailed by Fletcher & Gardner and their mark is scarce.

$ 9,500.00
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3114 - AMES, MODEL 1834 GENERAL OFFICERS SWORD.
This exact sword, Model 1834 General and Staff sword is found on page 69 of Civil War Army Swords. In addition, this exact scabbard is also depicted and described on page 65 of the book. The reason is that the US regulation for the Model 1834 Officer’s sword calls for a leather scabbard for all officers except for officers of the General Staff and they may carry a steel scabbard or of General Officers who may carry either a steel or brass scabbard. This sword is coupled with this, THE ONLY known example of the steel scabbard. Indeed, the double top rings are a further indication of its use by a General Officer. The steel scabbard is likely a field scabbard of a general officer and for this period of history it must likely have been in Florida or elsewhere on the US Frontier. The author knows of no other example of the correct Model 1834 General and Staff Officers sword with an original steel scabbard. The hilt of this sword retains a very high degree of original gilt finish, the embossed silver grip is perfect without any dents and the original blade etching is wonderful having the correct early Ames, Springfield address. This example because of it rarity and condition should find its way into one of the finest American arms collections or a museum with a National scope.

$ 6,000.00 - ON HOLD ! ! !
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3113 - CIVIL WAR SAUERBIER, NON-REGULATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD WITH PRESENTATION AND FACTORY-ETCHED, SILVER-FOIL SCABBARD.
Sauerbier swords are typically very unusual as almost every one is a one of a kind and that includes the enlisted cavalry sabers. This beautiful gilt higher grade style Model 1850 Staff and Field presented to Captain William McKimm is no exception. Captain McKimm was a Civil War soldier serving in the Quartermaster service. Many high grade features are present on this sword. The hilt is a very fancy style with the casting featuring a heavily chiseled pommel that continues with a back strap that is completely ornamented in geometric and foliate designs. The guard is French in style with a French style Eagle clutching an American shield and surrounded by panoply’s of US flags under an arch of stars. The grip is fine charcoal colored sharkskin wound with a double twisted strand of wire and flanked by single strands making for a very handsome grip and overall hilt. The blade has Sauerbier earmarks in the ricasso area as the fullers are not ground squared off rather show the grinding and buffing wheel shape. Blade etching is of the highest Sauerbier style with foliated tendrils and a large Barnum and Bailey Circus style of US. The swords’ scabbard is in beautiful condition and also has one of the high grade Sauerbier elements—it is etched AND COVERED IN SILVER FOIL that has turned blue from age. It is wild looking and further offset by the very fine cast and engraved gilt mounts making for a wonderful presentation overall.

$ 9,500.00
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3112 - CIVIL WAR STAFF & FIELED OFFICERS SWORD BY GORHAM OF PROVIDENCE, R.I.
Gorham, Providence RI was likely an assembler of other companies’ products. The company used only the best component parts available on the market but they etched their own blades and embellished their own brass. This exact sword is depicted and described on p 320 of Civil War Army Swords showing and addressing additional details. It could pass for an Ames and a close inspection of the major brass parts lead one to conclude that indeed, whether Ames or possibly Collins were the supplier of the parts almost every Gorham sword viewed has had a Collins blade. The blade on this example is marked Collins / 1862 as well as having a Gorham & Co. Providence, RI blade etching. The blade etching is beautiful with floral tendrils and geometric designs but with a cursive US. The scabbard has a fine blue finish just like the Ames swords and the scabbard mounts are to regulation but retain almost all of its original gilt finish. In addition the scabbard is stamped with the Gorham name and address on the reverse side near the throat. Overall this is an extremely fine example of the regulation model 1850 staff and field sword and would fit into any discriminating collector’s civil war or sword collection

$ 6,500.00
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3111 - EARLY, WIDE-BLADE SILVER HILT WITH RIBBED IVORY GRIP AND WONDERFUL ETCHED BLADE.
Silver hilts come in plain styles as well as high grade fancy styles but they are rare in any case—this is one of the silver hilts that was made in the style of the 1790 Prussian and British sabers. This is a very handsome example of the style then popular and likely dates to about 1820. The guard and backstrap is silver, the grip carved (ribbed) ivory and on close examination no wire was used. The blade is saber is style with a hatchet tip, 30 & ¼ inches long by 1 & 3/8 inches wide. It is of bright steel with etched designs in wonderful frosted relief including panoply’s of arms, American Eagle with Pluribus Unum, US shield and other wonderful American motifs. The scabbard is bright steel in fine condition with two ring mounts primarily for carrying on horseback.

$ 4,000.00
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3110 - IMPORTANT, STATE OF NEW JERSEY PRESENTATION MILITIA STAFF OFFICERS SWORD.
Mexican War State of New Jersey presented sword to Captain William J. Montgomery. This sword assembled by Ball Tompkins and Black of NY City is highly ornate and simply covered in fine tight engraving overall. It is likely Ames made as a high grade Militia Staff sword of the 1840 period but BT&B embellished. The faceted silver grip is engraved, the fine and ornately cast cruciform guard is chased and the langet has a silver cast state seal and a double chain form the guard, and is tied to a very fancy crested helmet pommel. The brass gilt scabbard is completely covered in very fine engraving and has very unusual suspension ring mounts in the shape of hands clasping the rings. Its blade is a typical elliptical center fuller style associated with the Militia Staff swords of the period and it is elaborately etched in very fine condition. This presentation was for Gallant conduct at a number of battles in the War with Mexico by the State of New Jersey for one of its heroes, among the more notable engagements mentioned were Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec Castle and City of Mexico, the last two major battles of the war. Because of the high sheen of the original bright gold remaining on the surfaces especially the scabbard it is very difficult to be able to adequately photograph the presentation. This sword is one of the very rare Mexican War presented examples which we have previously mentioned are probably in the order of one Mexican War presented sword for every 400 to 500 Civil War presentations.

$ 40,000.00
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3109 - OUTSTANDING AND RARE, USMC NCO BY WIDMANN OF PHILADELPHIA.
Perhaps the finest condition USMC NCO eagle pommel. Circa 1845 stamped F. W. Widmann / Philadelphia on the cross guard facing the blade. This may be a one of a kind sword specially ordered by an NCO as this blade is slightly larger than the commonly seen examples. The hilt retains almost all of its gilt and the sharkskin grip is fine with all wire intact. The blade retains almost all of the original blue and gold wash with only slight fading. The leather scabbard is in exceptionally fine condition having large brass gilt mounts that retain almost all of the original luster. This USMC NCO Sword belongs in a collection of the finest arms and it will still be a standout.

$ 9,500.00
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3108 - CIVIL WAR CAVALRY OFFICERS PRESENTATION GRADE CAVALRY SABRE BY EMERSON & SILVER AND EMBELLISHED BY J.J. HIRSHBUHL OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY.
A Spectacular Emerson & Silver Cavalry Officers Ivory Gripped Presented Saber. Superlatives do not do this saber justice. This saber is on the cover and on page 45 in the color section of Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers. Dick had purchased this saber after the book went to editing so it was too late for it to go into the written manuscript. I was however able to get photos of this spectacular saber before the book went to the printer. It is likely the finest single sword made by Emerson & Silver during the Civil War or, at least it is the finest one that anyone of sword collecting fraternity made the author aware of over the past 20 years. To begin with it was presented to Captain James F. Dwight the Provost Marshall of the Department of Missouri by the officers and employees of his office on June 10, 1863. The inscription is on a gold presentation plaque fastened to the scabbard body. The hilt is perfectly over the top in ornamentation but not garish, rather it is rich and handsome. The pommel, guard and suspension ring mounts are wonderfully intricate casting designs of a fine style of foliate and the drag is also beautifully cast but with a Soldier. In addition, the pommel has a semi-precious stone covering the tang, perhaps a garnet. The ivory grip is carved in a beautifully reeded style having the most wonderful mellow ivory color. The blade is in perfect finish with all of the original frosting and bright etching in E&S style but also with a large size etched trooper on horseback near the ricasso. This cavalry officer’s presentation grade saber can not be improved upon. It is clearly in the same league with the finest Ames, Clauberg and Tiffany Cavalry Officers sabers and deserves a special stand-out place in someone’s arms collection. Note, the above description by John Thilmann is accurate, but the massive grip of Ivory and other features can also lend one to the conclusion that this sword was further embellished by J.J. Hirshbuhl of Louisville. There are only 2 other Civil War era swords that we are aware of with such a massive and extraordinary grip. One of those two swords is the huge Louis D. Watkins sword that was formerly in the Medicus Collection and pictured on the Medicus book cover. It is also pictured elsewhere on this website as we sold that sword several years ago to a museum. THIS SWORD IS FROM THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION WHICH HAS ITS OWN SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE. TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN, "RICHARD JOHNSON" ICON.

$ 30,000.00
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3105 - CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION GRADE MODEL 1850 OFFICERS SWORD BY HORSTMANN, HISTORICALLY INSCRIBED.
This exact sword is depicted in detail on pages 335 and 336 of Civil War Army Swords. Model 1850 Staff and Field swords in the presentation grade by Horstmann were designed using a creative mixture of materials in a stylistic and rich format. Embellishments were always handsome and well executed. Among the most handsome were the swords with a smooth silver grip that is engraved and with that engraving style continued on to the scabbard mounts tying the whole together. This sword presented to Lieutenant David Barry is one of those swords. Note the overall handsome appearance of the hilt with its beautifully engraved silver grip and intricately cast guard and pommel, even to the lightening bolt on the rear of the knuckle bow which is a feature of the model 1860 Staff Sword. The guard face without a US or branches follows in the tradition of presentation swords where the artist’s interpretation of what is handsome and not what is regulation governs. The Clauberg blade is beautifully etched as only Clauberg could execute, with a rich gold wash background. The high grade scabbard is finished in a cordovan toned browned steel. It has wonderful bright gilt and engraved mounts that are further embellished with helmeted Classical Greek warriors in rose gold and finished off with an intricately cast boot style drag.

$ 4,000.00
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3104 - OUTSTANDING, HIGHEST GRADE SAUERBIER STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD WITH HISTORICAL PRESENTATION.
“Col. James Biddle from Co. B 71st Ind. Vols 1863”. Sauerbier hilts come in a variety of styles, with this type being a type 3. It is the highest grade of hilt style usually on cavalry sabers but is also occasionally used on Sauerbier infantry officer’s swords as is this example. Stylistically similar sabers (hilts and scabbards) can be found on pages 359-363 of Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers as they all have type three hilt with a silver or pewter grip and scabbards with the double oak leaf and acorn framed mounts and drag, but this exact sword in some detail is found on page 359 of Civil War Army Swords. This fancy Sauerbier type three hilt was also used by Emerson & Silver although it is believed to be a Sauerbier made element as it is more often seen on their swords and sabers. Pommel caps of these swords have a tang mound covered in the same material as found on the scabbard mount inserts and this is the case here all of the inserts are Mother of Pearl. On this hilt in addition to the Mother of Pearl tang cover carved into a large bust of Washington is also a small Mother of Pearl oval carved insert of a US shield on the heal of the pommel cap. The blade as is sometimes the case with Sauerbier swords is a Clauberg example that retains original etching, frosting and much gold wash. Furthermore, the scabbard has five more Mother of Pearl inserts carved in various Masonic symbols. Couple this with a heavily gilt hilt and scabbard and the whole is a very fine handsome high grade sword.

$ 22,000,00
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3103 - HISTORIC, CIVIL WAR Sauerbier Model 1860 Cavalry officers saber for an officer of the Artillery.
This sword is in the inimitable style of Sauerbier. Silver pewter grip, gilt cavalry type 3 hilt with inset silver pewter medallions of a women on the pommel covering the tang and a ribbon US on the pommel at the grip. The blade is etched in a Sauerbier style with foliated designs and stands of arms. The scabbard is blue steel with a silver presentation plaque presenting it to Lt. Chas Ducharme by Co H 7th NY Heavy Artillery on Feb 15th of 1863. The 7th NY Heavy artillery was converted to infantry by General US Grant in his Virginia Campaign in May of 1864. They went into the campaign with over 1,000 men and within 90 days were down to around 300. They fought like hell and took huge losses. Ducharme after one of the engagements noticed a number of bullet holes in his frock coat but none that wounded him. Later at Cold Harbor he was wounded severely. He was made Captain when he returned on March 21 and Major on Jan 10 of 1866. A book "Carnival of Blood" was written about this regiment and its battle history in Virginia from Washington to Appomattox. Ducharme is of course mentioned—it was a very hard fighting and brave regiment.

$ 11,000.00
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3102 - CIVIL WAR TIFFANY SWORD, HIGH-GRADE AND HISTORICALLY INSCRIBED.
This high grade Tiffany sword was presented to Captain Stephen Bogardus Jr, by members of the 192nd NYSV on May 10th 1865. He enlisted as a private and rose to Captain and brevet Major by the end of the war. The 192nd had a fine Civil War battle history and Captain Bogardus was involved in all of the regiments’ engagements thus earning the respect of his men and fellow officers. He was presented with a treasured sword because of their respect for his service. High Grade Tiffany swords have a number of hilt styles as found in the Tiffany Civil War catalog and this example is one of the richest having an eagle quillon. This sword may be found on page 515 of Civil War Army Swords in greater detail then here, but these images give the viewer an idea of the beautiful style and rich color of this wonderful sword. It has a solid silver spiral grip, heavily gilt pommel and guard. The scabbard is silver but overlaid in gilt, with large wonderful acanthus bunch suspension ring mounts and a long boot style drag with fancy drag edge. The blade is etched by the premier blade etcher and designer of the time, John D. Orr, and he lavished his attention to it with not only a beautiful design but also added a fine gold wash to the frosted background. This sword will be a standout in almost any advanced arms collection. THIS SWORD IS FROM THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION WHICH HAS ITS OWN SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE. TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN, "RICHARD JOHNSON" ICON.

$ 19,850.00
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3099 - 3099
3099

ON HOLD !!!
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3098 - UNIQUE, AMES STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD WITH BLADE-ETCHED ID OR PRESENTATION.
This Ames saber is very unusual in a number of respects because it was custom made bearing an etched “George T. Balch / Ordnance Corps USMA” panel on the blade. Therefore it likely dates from the period of September of 1864 through July of 1865, his service time at the US Military Academy. It has a Model 1860 Cavalry style of blade, Model 1850 Staff and Field hilt and a scabbard usually seen with upgrade Cavalry officer’s sabers. From Lieutenant in 1851 to Lt. Colonel in 1865 Balch was involved at the Ordnance Bureau in Washington, at Frankford Arsenal, Springfield Arsenal, on expeditions in the West against the Sioux, Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery at the USMA, West Point and as Principal Assistant to the Chief of Ordnance in Washington. His career clearly put him in charge of very important aspects of all military ordnance hence in a position to decide just exactly what his own military side arms would consist of. The sword blade is most unusual as it looks like it has a single very wide fuller but in reality has tow fullers the top one goes to within 9 inches of the tip while the bottom one is only 12 and ½ inches long. This configuration makes the blade back appear to be a pipe back style even though it is the same width and thickness of a standard model 1860 saber blade. This is clearly something Balch personally wanted because no other Ames blade in this configuration has turned up to this writer’s knowledge. Also, the blade is 36 inches long which makes it about one inch longer than a standard Model 1860 blade. Because we do not know how tall Balch was its size may simply be due to his height. The blade etching is also custom work by Ames. Note the unusual US in the blade center. The blade is immaculate with all of the charcoal color within the frosted areas and bright metal where polished. The hilt gilding is about perfect and the black sharkskin sparkles as only the absolute best Ames grips. Scabbard condition leaves nothing to want as the gold is fine and the lustrous browning is also fine. This is a custom Ames sword and belongs in an advanced collection of the finest American swords.

$ 20,000.00
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3097 - STUNNING MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION SWORD FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
This is a beautiful, High Grade, Ball Tompkins and Black Mexican War presentation to Col. Ferris Forman from the State of Illinois for services during the Mexican War. There are a handful of these presentations known to exist. Case and sword, near mint.

$ 50,000.00
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3095 - ULTRA-RARE MARINE OFFICERS MAMELUKE STYLE SWORD, HISTORICALLY INSCRIBED.
“To the Shores of Tripoli” goes the Marine Corps hymn. That part of the North African military history played by a small USMC detachment seeking to free the American shipping trade of the annual tribute and bribes to the Barbary Pirates is what inspired the USMC to adopt the Mameluke style of short saber for officers. This wonderful example was made by F.W. Widmann and is identified to Issac T. Doughty, inscribed “I.T. Doughty, / Marine Corps”. Early 19th Century identified USMC Mameluke swords are at the top of the heap of historic Naval weapons for rarity, desirability and being irreplaceable on today’s or in any previous antiques market. From its ivory hilt, brass scabbard and to the fine blade, this sword is in exceptional condition exhibiting all of the features of such a wonderful historically rare antique. F.W. Widmann swords are fairly scarce and they are also early being most often found in the 1830’s and 1840’s. This USMC officer’s sword a highly desirable example of a very rarely encountered type. It should occupy a treasured place in one of the finer American arms collections.

$ 35,000.00 - on hold !
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3093 - WONDERFUL, ETCHED-BLADE PRESENTATION AMES, MODEL 1840 ARTILLERY OFFICERS SABRE.
Ames Model 1840 Artillery Officers Sabers are extremely scarce because that model of saber was a regulation sidearm for mounted officers and officers of the light artillery from 1840 through 1850 only. The post 1850 Model 1840 sabers were not allowed by regulation so would have been for state regimental officers only. The wonderful history of these Ames sabers is that they were probably produced beginning in 1844 after the S&K sabers were introduced into the Army and no longer allowed by 1850 so only in use by regulation for 6 years—that is why the saber is scarce and the Ames Springfield addressed sabers are extremely scarce and desirable. This saber is not only a scarce pattern but has wonderful history as well. The saber is etched “J. Munroe USA” on the blade. John Munroe was the 94th graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point in 1814. He had a spectacular military history all of it as an officer of the US Artillery. His service was in campaigns against the Black Hawks, Florida Indians, on the Northern Frontier, Military Occupation of Texas, Mexican War, Florida again, Commanding Officer Department of the Platte in Dakota Territory during the silver and gold rush. In addition he was given the distinction of serving as the Military and Civil Governor of New Mexico in 1849 and 1850, He received numerous Brevet promotions and served as Chief of Artillery for General Zachary Taylor during Taylor’s service in the War with Mexico and being singled out for brevet promotions in the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista. He was a full Colonel of Artillery when he passed on the cusp of the US Civil War in April of 1861. This saber is not only a rare Ames manufactured US Army saber, but it is in tremendous original condition. The hilt retains all of its original heavy gilt finish, the grip is perfect, the blade is beautifully etched with the fat Springfield address style, and early Ames etching and of course is also etched “J. Munroe / USA” in a panel. However, the most spectacular and rarely seen feature of this saber is the scabbard which sterling silver foil covered with all of its original foil remaining. All in all, this is a saber deserving of a museum collection which is national in scope or in one of the finest American Arms collections.

$ 30,000.00
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3091 - CIVIL WAR, PRESENTATION GRADE Clauberg presented to Lt. Mason Gibson of the 2nd NY Vet. Vol. Cavalry.
This wonderful sword comes with an original image in a hard plastic case of Lt Gibson holding this exact sword. Gibson served under General Banks and with Generals Davidson and then Grierson as an officer of the 2nd NY Cav. His major campaign was under Banks on the Red River but he served all over the South during the later period of the War. His has a very fine Civil War history. Having a sword in a photograph of the officer holding it that can be identified as that exact sword is a very rare thing indeed. It is depicted on pages 160 and 161 of Cavalry and Artillery Sabers. This is a fine high grade sword with a massive hilt composed of a bronze grip relief cast with Lady Liberty and an American Eagle for a pommel. The wonderful guard with eagle fighting a snake is an eye catcher. Furthermore the German silver scabbard mounted with wide and very fancy suspension ring mounts and boot style drag will enhance any collection of American Swords especially as a presented sword to a Cavalry Officer. The presentation is engraved on the obverse face of the top suspension ring mount.

$ 15,000.00
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3089 - Model 1840/1851 General Officers Sword attributed to Maj General Benjamin Henry Ryerson.
The provenance of the sword will be made available to serious buyers. Essentially, it was purchased from an estate from which other Grierson material has passed down. Unfortunately no inscription is present but the history of this piece muse be kept with it for a future researcher that may tie it down. General Grierson needs no introduction as one of the finest cavalry commanders that the war produced. This exact sword is depicted on pages 227 & 228 of Civil War Army Swords. The sword marked by the Horstmann & Sons as well as the Kings head of the Gebruder Weyersberg firm of Solingen and the tall capstan rivet shows their earmark as well. It is in wonderful condition retaining its gilt finish and fine silver grip. The scabbard is a set up as a general officer scabbard as well with the double ring top mount and also having a frog hook. The scabbard is also wonderfully engraved. Blade etching is in very fine condition. This sword leaves nothing to be desired if a General Officers sword is desired.

$ 6,000.00
Call - 216-541-4111

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3088 - AWESOME, DELUXE, AMES PRESENTATION GRADE 1850 FOOT OFFICERS SWORD WITH FANTASTIC ETCHED BLADE PRESENTATION.
This presented Ames Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword has all of the bells and whistles. It is depicted in greater detail in Civil War Army Swords pages 264 & 265. In typical style, Ames made this sword to be functional no matter the embellishments. This example is a perfect union of function, design and embellishment. The hilt is a standard 1850 Foot Officers hilt but the guard is additionally chased and engraved, the grip isn’t ordinary sharkskin but white ray skin, the gilding is extra heavy and the pommel is also engraved and chased. The blade is etched with the Ames seldom seen high grade style and the scabbard which should be leather is fish skin with high grade, heavily gilted wide mounts similar to those seen on gilt brass scabbards. Additionally, the mounts are beautifully embellished and engraved. It also has the reverse of the top mount engraved with the fine, tiny inscribed Ames address. This sword is highly embellished and is in superb original as-made condition. The recipient of the sword was Captain Horace Ensworth presented to him by the [Governor of Conn.] Seymour Horse Guards as their first commanding officer. This was a ceremonial group of local militia probably mostly social in nature. In 1853 he was a 2nd lieutenant of the Samuel Colt’s Governor’s Horse Guards and by 1855 was the Commander of the Seymour Horse Guards. He was a respected socialite and this presented sword reflects his rank and social status.

SOLD ! ! !
Call - 216-541-4111

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3086 - CIVIL WAR, NON-REGULATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD.
This Model 1850 Staff and Field sword in a presentation format was made by Emerson and Silver and is the exact sword found on page 319 of Civil War Army Swords. This trademark Emerson and Silver blade made at the E&S Keystone works is etched with the companies name and address and a fine Emerson & Silver etching style. The hilt is composed of a French non-regulation style of guard (Sabre de officer Chasseurs, Model 1838 & Saber d’officer de Marine Model 1853 combined) is coupled with a fine spiral silver grip of unusual pattern only occasionally seen on Emerson and Silver and Sauerbier swords. Note the fine and elaborate intricately cast scabbard mounts with a patriotic eagle and shield for the top mount and a foliated mid mount. The drag is heavy and wonderfully cast and embellished as well. Most of the original finish remains on this sword having gilded surfaces with a reddish gold tone, the original red wool washer and its fine blade etching all of which are complimentary elements of this fine presentation grade sword.

$ 5,000.00
Call - 216-541-4111

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3085 - STUNNING AND WONDERFUL, AMES MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION OFFICERS SWORD.
This Beautiful Ames High Grade Presentation style sword is one of the very elaborate and important presentations to a warrior returning from the War with Mexico with laurels. Tomas H. Seymour, a Congressman appointed commander of the 9th New England Regiment March of 1847 and by April was a Major of the 9th US Regiment and during the storming of Chapultepec in September assumed command as Lt. Colonel when Colonel Ransom was killed. He was made a Brevet Colonel for his action at Chapultepec and later a full Colonel of the US 12th Infantry. Thereafter he was elected as Governor of Connecticut and later still Minister to Russia. This Ames made sword has wonderfully engraved silver grip straps that alternate with Mother of Pearl strips that are further accented with small domed silver dots of varying sizes. The Knights helmet pommel is topped by an American Eagle, and the guard has two chains terminating on the cruciform style guard cast in a rich foliate. The double sided spear point blade is etched in a very high grade style. The Ames address is N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield, while the scabbard is engraved with a Cabotville address which is quite usual during this time frame. The brass scabbard is also gilt and the mounts are beautifully cast foliate pattern that are silver. The appearance of this sword is very handsome overall. It should find a place of honor in a major American arms collection. THIS SWORD IS FROM THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION WHICH HAS ITS OWN SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE. TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN, "RICHARD JOHNSON" ICON.

SOLD ! ! !
Call - 216-541-4111

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