Civil War Model 1840 Musician Sword dated 1863 with partial scabbard

Being offered is the classic Civil War Federal edged weapon that the U.S. Ordnance Department designated as the Model 1840 Musicians' Sword. It is an early war, Ames Manufacturing Company contract sword that is dated 1863 and comes with a partial  leather scabbard with the brass throat.

Speculation on the use of musicians' swords is that they started in use during the American Revolution with drummers and fifers. There is the tendency of many to think that the musicians' sword is purely a decoration but that was not the case. Bandsmen did accompany the troops upon the field of battle and if the lines were flanked, they were called upon to defend themselves and this sword was their only means to do so.

This original specimen of the M1840 musicians' sword is a handsome weapon in nice condition and typical of that carried by Federal musicians and band members. The overall length of the sword is 34½" with a semi shiny steel blade 28" long and ¾" wide at the hilt.

The sword has a brass hilt with a single guard, and the single-edged blade has a stopped fuller and a ricasso marked on the obverse with "US / ADK / 1863" (Andrew D. King) in three lines. Reverse ricasso is stamped with "Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass". The brass hilt, which is tight, features grips with a simulated cast brass wire wrap cover. The knuckle bow has an inspector's mark of "AHC" stamped on the reverse of the guard.

Overall this is a very nice sword, and not a surplus piece but was definitely used. The very tip of the sword broke off, but it is fine as it is; if desired it can be repointed. In the Gettysburg NPS Museum there is a musician sword that was found on the battlefield (see pictures).