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LOT 1254
Excellent Ames Militia Officer’s Helmet Pommel Sword with Scabbard - This Ames Militia Officer’s helmet pommel sword has a 26 inch lozenge
cross-section blade decorated with etched patriotic designs and marked “Ames Mfg. Co/Chicopee/Mass” on the left side. Gilt finished hilt, square
languets, a knight’s helm pommel, and a double chain knuckleguard. The languets are particularly well sculpted and show the leaf patterns and arrays of
arms topped with a liberty cap on each side, and both languets have a scene of an eagle with an olive branch in its beak on one side and a liberty cap atop a Roman
fasces on the other. The grips are smooth mother of pearl with gilt wire wrap. The gilt scabbard is decorated with an American eagle near the middle suspension ring and a
raised oak leaf and acorn design on and near the drag.
CONDITION: Excellent. The blade retains 90% of the frosted acid etched decorations. The only significant wear is some light pitting on the point of the blade, with a fine bright appearance overall
and strong etching. Both the hilt and scabbard retain nearly all of the gilt finish. Wear is limited to some dark spots in the lower areas. The sword has minimal handling marks and attractive
sculpting. An excellent example of a high quality American militia sword.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 1253
Outstanding Civil War U.S. Remington “Model 1863 Zouave”
Percussion Rifle - NSN, 58 cal., 33 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. 12,501 of these rifles were reportedly ordered from Remington
by the U.S. Ordnance Department between 1862-1865 during the Civil War, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th
Edition, 5E-076). Government records listed them as “Harpers Ferry Pattern” rifles, and they have similarities to
both the Model 1841 and Model 1855 rifles that were manufactured at Harpers Ferry prior to the Civil War but are of a
unique pattern. The Model 1863 “Zouave” nickname is of unclear origins, and whether or not any of these rifles saw use in the
war remains unclear, although they are still considered to be a secondary issue Civil War arm. The rifle has a blue finished 33-inch barrel,
casehardened lock and hammer, three-leaf folding rear sight, brass forend, barrel bands, trigger guard, patchbox and buttplate, and an oil finished
walnut stock. “1863” dated lock and barrel. The lock plate has the date behind the hammer and the Federal Eagle and Shield motif above “U.S.” followed by
“REMINGTON’S/ILION N.Y.” in two lines. “STEEL” ahead of “R.K.A.” (Remick K. Arnold) inspection initials marked on the left barrel flat at the breech. “U/V/P”
proofs on the breech perpendicular to the bore. Various components are stamped with single letter sub-inspector’s initials. Bordered script “HDJ” (Henry D.
Jennings) and “BH” (Benjamin Hannis) inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat. The patchbox contains an extra nipple.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retains 97% plus original blue finish with no evidence of firing around the percussion nipple, some very minor spotting at the muzzle, 98% brilliant
original case colors on the lock and hammer with some minor freckling, highly attractive untouched original bright golden patina on the brass, and absolutely sharp markings and edges in the
metal overall. Stock is also excellent, with rich original oil finish and attractive raised grain, distinct edges, a few light handling marks, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. An
outstanding Remington “Model 1863 Zouave” rifle that would be extremely difficult to improve upon!
Provenance: The Howard “Skip” Quade Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000