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LOT 1202
Exceptional Historic Civil War U.S. Foot Officer’s Presentation Sword with Ames Scabbard Inscribed to Captain Thomas Herbert - This beautifully presentation sword follows much the same pattern as other Model 1850 Foot Officer’s swords, but with additional embellishment. The slightly curved blade is approximately 31 inches and wonderfully etched for nearly its entire length with floral scrolls, “US”, stands of arms, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in
a banner. The right ricasso is retailer marked with “PALMERS &/BACHELDERS/BOSTON” who were in operation under that name from 1856 to 1864, and were located at 162
Washington St. in Boston in 1863. The openwork of the gilded guard is made up of floral motifs and “US”, eagle head quillion with jeweled eyes, D-guard, a Phrygian helmet type
pommel, and a floral engraved and wire wrapped silver grip. The “AMES MFG. CO” gilded scabbard is engraved with flourishes and floral scrolls, a stand of arms and drums with
a liberty cap, and the inscription “Presented to/Capt. Thomas Herbert/11 Unattached Co. Hy. Artillery Mass. Vols./by the Members of his Company/Fort Independence Oct. 1863/-
’Honor the Brave’-”. Thomas Herbert initially joined the Union Army as a captain in Company I of the 8th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry which performed various garrison roles from 1862 to 1863. Records indicate he mustered into the Company G (11th Unattached Company) of the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery which was raised on 20 October 1863
as a second lieutenant, though this may be an error in the records as it is unlikely he would have been demoted and the inscription on the sword lists him as a captain. This regiment of heavy artillery also performed garrison rolls, many of them in the forts around Washington D.C., though it is likely that the Fort Independence referred to in the inscription is the one which protected Boston harbor. The records list Herbert as a captain when the regiment was mustered out in 1865.
CONDITION: Excellent, the exceptional blade is mostly bright with crisp etching and some scattered very light spotting. The hilt retains most of the original gilding with a few scattered patches of darker patina and an attractive antique patina on the silver. The scabbard retains almost all of the original bright gilding with a few scattered spots of darker patina and handling marks and crisp engraving. A very attractive Civil War officer’s sword that was presented to an identified officer!
Estimate: 7,000 - 9,500
LOT 1203 Fine Civil War U.S. Sharps New Model 1859 Breech Loading Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 57876, 52 cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This .52 caliber Sharps New Model 1859 rifle is just above the accepted serial number range of the Berdan contract Sharpshooter rifles typically seen with double set triggers, and was likely issued to another Federal unit as it has a single trigger and is bearing government inspection marks that do not include John Taylor, the inspector seen on Berdan contract rifles. Rather, there is a possibility this rifle was issued to the 2nd Veteran Volunteers, as it falls between two other examples identified to this regiment bearing serial numbers 57862 and 57887, among others nearby in serial range, as listed on page 94 of the book “Civil War Sharps Carbines &
The matching serial number “57876” is marked on the upper receiver tang and underside of the barrel. Casehardened receiver and fittings. Two piece walnut stock with iron patchbox. Single letter inspection initials on some of the components including an “E” on the forearm flat ahead of the trigger guard, two boxed script inspection cartouches “AWM” and “TWR” stamped on the left wrist of the stock, “A.W.M” on the top rear of the stock ahead of the buttplate, and “G.W.D” twice on the patchbox and once below it on the stock.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% plus original blue finish and 30% plus original case colors, scattered mild surface corrosion/freckling on the balance, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also fine with numerous scattered scratches and dents, a crack ahead of the patchbox, and mostly visible stampings. Mechanically excellent. This Sharps rifle is well above other examples in appearance and will make a fine addition to any Civil War collection!
Rifles” by Coates and McAulay. Features a blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug and Lawrence pattern ladder rear sight mounted on the blued barrel marked with the three-line Sharps address ahead of the rear sight and “NEW MODEL 1859” on top of the breech.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
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