This is a Model 1840 Musicians Sword manufactured by Horstmann of Philadelphia, Pa. The sword measures 34" overall and has a 28" blade. The reverse ricasso is marked HORSTMANN'S PHILa. The obverse ricasso has a proof mark, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. It appears to be more of a symbol than a letter. The blade has no etchings or engravings. A fuller runs 26 1/4" from the ricasso to almost the tip of the blade. The finish of the blade is very good, with only a couple of dark age spots on either side. The edge has just a couple of very small nicks neat the hilt. The blade has a width at the hilt of 3/4" and the spine is 1/4". The leather scabbard shows honest wear and has a weak spot 7" below the top mount. There is some loss of color in the leather near the drag. The seam is still as tight as the day it was made. The upper and lower mounts are securely attached to the scabbard body. Both are brass and originally had gilt applied, but most is worn off now. The upper mount is made to work with a leather frog. It still has the original felt in the throat. It also has a split approximately 1/2" long, running from the throat down. This is a nice honest example of a Musicians sword from the Civil War.

Item # AA1023

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