US M1840 MUSICIAN'S SWORD BY HORSTMANN WITH ORIGINAL BALDRIC

This Civil War period US Model 1840 Musician's sword wears an etched blade of 28" in length. Obverse side of the blade is engraved WHH&S [WILLIAM H. HORSTMANN & SONS] , and below, in block script HORSTMANN PHILADELPHIA. Reverse side of the blade is engraved PHILADELPHIA.

Blade is etched on three sides, along half of its length, with military trophies, floral sprays, flags, etc. Blade was period-blunted, and shows some honest wear and superficial rust. The quillon finial was period-removed to prevent chaffing of the uniform. Scabbard is original, leather is dry, and broken in one area. The edges of the break are quite even, in case the new owner decides to restore the integrity of the scabbard. An original shoulder sling with integral frog is in excellent shape, with no dryness or cracking. Plate is long gone. Obviously a privately purchased weapon, this musician's sword may have been a presentation piece. Blade embellishments on the M1840 NCO and M1840 Musician's swords are very uncommon. Presence of the original sword sling also adds desirability.