US M1818 SERGEANT'S SWORD BY NATHAN STARR

This scarce US Model 1818 sergeant's sword is one of only 3,000 made by the famous American sword-maker Nathan Starr under contract with the US Government. Initials LS indicate Luther Sage, who inspected about 1,000 of these swords.

Japanning is mostly intact on the iron hilt and scabbard, mixed with some browning. Scabbard has an intentional dent, to prevent the sword from rattling while on the move. Blade is just shy of 26", and exhibits honest age, a minor sprinkle of corrosion towards the tip, and no active rust or pitting. Original leather-wrapped grip is in outstanding condition, supple and strong.

These swords were issued to the infantry and marine non-commissioned officers, and took part in multiple naval exploits of the 1820s, as well as the Second Seminole War, only to be replaced by their cumbersome and unwieldy successors, the ubiquitous Model 1840. Very few now survive, and the examples with their original scabbards, in original japanning, are even scarcer.

For me, the M1818 non-commissioned officer's sword remains one of the most attractive issue swords in American history. Lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable, it was a formidable close quarters fighting weapon.