This specimen is the classic Civil War Federal edged weapon that the U.S. Ordnance Department designated the Musicians' Sword, Model 1840. It is an early war, Ames Manufacturing Company contract sword that is dated 1863 and comes complete with its original leather scabbard. 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 excellent 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 resides in its original leather scabbard fitted with a brass throat and brass drag. The single-edged blade has a stopped fuller and a ricasso marked on the obverse with "US / AHC / 1862" in three lines. Reverse ricasso is stamped with "Made By /Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass". Brass hilt, which is tight, features grips with a simulated cast brass wire wrap cover. Knucklebow has an inspector's mark of "ADK" (Andrew D. King) stamped on the reverse of the guard. The scabbard is of black bridle leather and is in fair condition with two areas that were broken and repaired. Brass drag is tight and fine with markings of "A.H.C." at the tip.

The guard is engraved "J.W.GOULD / 25th Ms INF." We believe that this is a post-war inscription based on the style of engraving that is typical of Span-Am period engraving. John Williams Gould was a 21-year old farmer from Oakham, MA when he enlisted on 9/26/1861 as a musician. On 10/17/1861 he mustered into the band of the 25th Massachusetts Infantry. He served until he mustered out on 8/30/1862. After the war he lived in Worcester, Ma. until his death in 1915. He was a member of GAR Post # 10 in Worcester.