STARR MODEL 1813 NCO SWORD WITH FIRST PATTERN LEATHER SCABBARD

$4,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 597-12

This is very nice example of an American War of 1812 sergeant’s sword. Starr contracted for 2,000 of these swords in January 1813 and delivered them in small lots from June 1813 through March 1815. This is one of the first 700, supplied with leather scabbards, and the obverse of the blade just bears the “P/HHP” proof or inspection stamp on the ricasso of Henry H. Perkin, one of two U.S. inspectors for this batch of swords. The reverse is stamped, “N. STARR. Both stamps are perpendicular to the blade.

This is the standard configuration with narrow ricasso and a straight, 30-inch blade, 1-inch wide at the guard, single edged with a 6-inch false edge at the point and single deep fuller starting from the face of the guard up to the false edge. The grip is smooth wood with iron ferrule at the guard and the stirrup hilt is iron with a convex backstrap transitioning into a rounded, “rudimentary birdshead” pommel that shows the blade tang secured by a slotted nut. The crossguard on these expanded on either side of the blade to form a flat double-shell or bi-lobate counterguard. As is common on these swords, the reverse counterguard was removed so as not to dig into the wearer’s side when sheathed, a nice indication that the sword was actually issued and worn.

The condition is very good. The blade has a good edge and point. We see just a slight unevenness and a tiny nick or two at the beginning of the false edge. The metal is metal is smooth, and steel gray in color mixed with dark gray areas. The hilt shades toward a thin caramel in color, also with smooth metal. The wood grip has nice color and surface with some very small stains and only light handling marks. The scabbard is even rarer than the sword and equally nice- full length, with both its flat-mouthed iron throat and simple iron drag both in place. There is one short indentation on the bottom edge of the throat, cause unknown. The oval frog stud is in place mounted on a stud affixed to the scabbard with diamond shaped base. The leather is very good, with expected age crinkling to the finish and some small areas of finish loss. The seam shows no large gaps. There is only one spot on the back that shows some underlying brown leather from a crease on the reverse, above the drag.

This is a scarce regulation issue War of 1812 U.S. infantry sword, usually termed simply a non-commissioned officer’s sword though likely restricted to sergeants and a badge of rank as much as a last ditch method of defense. This would make a great addition to a War of 1812 or edge weapons collection, as well one concentrating on the history of army NCOs who really keep things running after all.  [sr] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About STARR MODEL 1813 NCO SWORD WITH FIRST PATTERN LEATHER SCABBARD

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

CONFEDERATE CAVALRY SABER BY FROELICH

This is a very early and possibly unique Confederate cavalry saber, possibly even a cavalry officer’s saber, by Louis Froelich. It uses a crudely cast, heavy, thick guard, with the side branches branching off from the knucklebow at two different… (870-614). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

25
Apr

May 15 - 19: NSS-A Spring Nationals Learn More »

Instagram