This original M1840’s Musician sword is in fine condition. It is typical of those carried by Federal musicians and band members. The overall length of the weapon is 34½ inches with a shiny bright, steel blade 28 inches long and ¾ inch wide at the hilt. It features a brass hilt with a single guard, and rests in an original black leather scabbard fitted with a brass chape, or bottom mount, and brass throat. The minty, single-edged blade has a stopped fuller and a ricasso marked on the obverse with "US" "ADK" "1864" in three lines. The reverse side is stamped with " Made by AMES MFg. Co. CHICOPPEE MASS.". The cast yellow brass hilt has grips with a simulated cast-brass wire wrap. The knuckle bow has the inspector’s mark of "A.DK."(Adrian D. King) stamped on the reverse of the guard.

The scabbard is constructed of black bridle leather that is in fine condition with just scattered light surface cracking but close to the chape it has suffered losses to the surface and some cracking; never-the-less it is stable. The chape is tightly secured to the scabbard. The markings of inspector "J.M.W." are on the drag.

The War Dept. adopted the Musician's sword in 1840, and these swords were close to the design of the M1840 NCO sword adopted at the same time. The only differences between the two weapons were that the musician sword did not have the double counterguard and its blade was four inches shorter. It is assumed that the musician's sword was a decoration, but that is not the case. Bandsmen accompanied the combat troops in the field, and the musicians could be called upon to fight in battle or serve the medical staff. This Musician sword is a fine example.   [pe] [ph:L]

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