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Outstanding Presentation Grade N.P. Ames Model 1840 General Officer’s Sword and Scabbard - Includes a description from Wes Small of The Horse Soldier in Gettysburg listing the sword as “the finest M1840 General Officer’s Sword known to exist!” and providing details on two men named Egbert Tangier Smith from Long Island: one who lived 1796-1879 who was a major and paymaster in the Union Army in 1862 and later a special agent in Indian Territory and settled in Napa Valley, California and the second who lived 1822-1889 and was involved
in politics on Long Island and was reportedly offered an appointment as a general for the Union by President Lincoln but turned it down. Small is in favor of the latter being the man who owned the sword and suggests he may have purchased it for himself and may have
been a member of a local militia unit. The two men were not father and son but were related, possibly cousins. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle’s obituary of the latter references Lincoln offering him a commission as general and also states he received an Legum Doctorate in honor of his services and was one of the largest land holders in the state. An E. T. Smith of Smithtown won a diploma for the best light wagon in 1843 per the New York State Agricultural Society and the American Institute.
The sword dates to c. 1840-1847. The 32 1/4 inch, straight, single-edged blade is etched with floral and patriotic patterns. The right side has “N.P. Ames/Cutler/Springfield” above the ricasso. The hilt is gilt brass with floral designs and cast silver “wire” pattern grip. The languets have “E.T. Smith” and “E.T. Smith/Smithtown LI.” The gilt scabbard also has “ETS” on the reverse between the throat and upper suspension band and floral and eagle and shield motif engraving.
CONDITION: Excellent with outstanding original bright polish blade, minimal age and storage related wear such as some faint scratches and marks, a thin crack in the grip, and very light patina. This is certainly one of the highest condition Model 1840 General Officer’s Swords extant, reportedly the finest known. Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
The Finest Model 1840 General Officer's
LOT 3085
Sword Known to Exist!