First pattern - M1839 Topographical Engineer Off. - Preview
Only known example with a Government inspected hilt, blade and scabbard. Two branch guard, Ray skin grip.
Manufactured: Springfield, Mass.
Maker: N. P. Ames / Cutler
Year: 1838-39
Model: Model 1839 Topographical Engineer Officer
Size: 34 inch blade
Condition:
The rarest of the rare. The only example of a Topographical Engineer officer's saber that is government inspected. All matching inspections on the guard, blade and scabbard. The two branch guard (only one other known and likely another pre-contract example was found in the Medicus Collection and purchased by Norm Flayderman) with heavy gilt and inspected ORD. / H.K.C. on the quillon and J.M. under the knuckle bow near the pommel. The pommel has a recessed spanner nut. The grip is ray skin with dragoon style twisted wire and flanked by a single strand. The etched blade has J.M stamped in the ricasso area. It is etched with N.P Ames / Cutler / Springfield, Oak branch with acorns, a stand of flags with a liberty cap, ancient arms, a camp tent with pennant and Oak branch. The reverse has a horizontal plaque or scroll likely for a presentation area, Oak branch with T.E. shield, panel with: United States Corps of / Topographical Engineers followed by an Eagle with E.PU ribbon, a standing Indian (Tecumseh) with raised ax and ends with Oak. The scabbard inspector JM is stamped on the obverse and ORD. / H.K.C. on the reverse of the drag blade. The ring mounts are unique having flat sides on narrow bands and solid rings in place of the usual split rings. This sword is also in "Civil War Army Swords' pgs 96 to 99.
Figure 01.01.39.1: Two branch gilt brass hilt
Figure 01.01.39.2: Scabbard - T.E. shield plaque and N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield
Drag blade with JM inspector
Figure 01.01.39.3: Oak and T.E. Shield
United States Corps of / Topographical Engineers
Figure 01.01.39.4: Blank scroll or plaque for presentation
Figure 01.01.39.5: Standing Tecumseh etch
Figure 01.01.39.6: Ocerview
Figure 01.01.39.7: Crossed flags with Liberty pole
Below: tent with pennant
Figure 01.01.39.8: Underside view of gilt guard with J.M near the slot in the top of the knuckle bow.
Figure 01.01.39.9: J.M and Ames etch
Figure 01.01.39.10: Reverse of hilt. Note the ray skin grip wrap and recessed spanner nut
