This is good example of the regulation U.S. 1840 pattern musician’s sword and scabbard by Ames, dated 1864 and showing the “G.K.C.” U.S. inspection stamp of Armory Sub-Inspector George K. Carter on the hilt, blade and scabbard drag. Both brass hilt and scabbard mounts have a nice, aged, patina, with the hilt naturally showing some lighter color from handling.

The hilt has no bends or dings and shows a G.K.C. inspector’s stamp on the knucklebow. The thin blade pad is missing, as is usually the case. The blade markings on the ricasso are very good: the reverse stamped US/G.K.C./1864; the obverse stamped with the Ames banner style address, “Made by / Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass.” There is a little rubbing to the date and the bottom line of the Ames address.

The scabbard is solid, with no bends or breaks and both mounts in place. The leather shows minor crazing and crackling to the finish and some sratches, but no large spots of finish loss and good color. The mounts have an undisturbed aged patina. The drag shows some dents and dings, which is pretty common. The drag blade shows a clear “G.K.C.” inspector stamp matching the hilt and blade, showing sword and scabbard came together.

Musicians embraced both regimental bandsmen and the company fifer and drummer. After 1862 bands tended to be restricted to brigade and higher level organizations, but company musicians remained, often forming a regimental fife and drum corps. Musicians would usually be called upon to aid the medical staff during a battle, but there are occasional references to them playing the men into battle, a brigade band on the first day at Gettysburg furnishing one example.

This would be an essential piece in a Civil War collection, display of US edged weapons or a nice memento if you hand an ancestor who served as field musician or bandsman. Needless to say, it would look great alongside a period fife or drum, or in its correct shoulder belt with eagle plate.  [sr] [ph:m]

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