*USA, Dated 1864, Model 1840 Civil War Musicians Sword & Scabbard, Made by Ames MFc Co, Chicopee, Massachusetts, US-A.D.K-1864*
Approximate Measurements: 71.5cm blade, 87.4cm overall
Marked on Ricasso: Made by Ames MFc Co, Chicopee
Marked on Obverse: US, A.D.K, 1864
Marked underneath quillon: H.D.H
Marked on knuckle bow: J.H
This is an 1864-dated American Civil War Model 1840 Musicians’ Sword, a variant of the M1840 NCO Sword, distinguished by the absence of a handguard. The primary contractor for this weapon was Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, the largest supplier of edged weapons to the Union forces during the war.
Contrary to the common belief that the musician's sword was purely ceremonial, it served a practical purpose. Bandsmen often accompanied troops onto the battlefield and, if enemy forces flanked the lines, musicians would be expected to defend themselves, using this sword as their only weapon.
The sword features a straight fullered blade with a spear point. The ricasso is stamped ‘US/A.D.K./1864’—referring to Army Inspector Alfred D. King. The opposite side bears the manufacturer’s mark: ‘Made by Ames Mfg Co, Chicopee.’ The last line of the address 'Mass' has rubbed off. Ames markings were often lightly struck and were easily worn/polished off over their long years of use. The sword’s hilt is a single-branch brass design, with a grip mimicking a wire wrap. Notably, the quillon bears the inspectors mark ‘H.D.H’ (Henry D. Hastings, 1862–1865) and the knuckle bow shows the mark ‘J.H,’ possibly for John Hannis (1862). It comes with its original leather scabbard and brass fittings.
Reference: Thillmann Army Swords pg. 190. Blade length, 28in.
*Condition*
This well-preserved artifact embodies the craftsmanship and military heritage of the period, serving as a tangible link to American history. The sword is in very good condition but the leather scabbard has not held up so well and has a split to the throat and a split in the middle and wear by the chape. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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