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This Rare Sword Has Been Sold. Thank you! U.S. NAVAL OFFICER'S SWORD M 1841 REGULATION HILT & SCABBARD Blue Niter Gold Gilt Blade     As seen in the table below which measures the size of the Navy's Officer Corps, this is an extremely rare example of a 19th Century M1841 Naval officer's Regulation hilt and scabbard. There are very few of these outside of museums such as at the US Naval Academy in public hands. Therefore, it presents a very special opportunity for the discerning buyer.      COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF THE U.S. NAVY BY YEARS 1820 1830 1841 537 615 940   DIMENSION SUMMARY: Blade: 1 inch wide, 1/4 inch thick, 28 1/4 inches long Hilt 5 1/2 inches long. Length overall 33 1/4 inches. In scabbard 33 1/2 inches.                  Fuller 20 1/4” x 5/8“              Weight sword in scabbard 2 Lbs 6 oz   Sword Net 1 lb 12 oz   Presented is an elegant sword that was made by an an unknown smith, with a dramatic hilt and graceful scabbard that conforms to the 1841 design regulations. These were the first U.S. Navy swords to come with a clear illustration of what the sword and scabbard should look like. There are numerous variations because there was much latitude taken in how the Regulation was interpreted by the British suppliers and the few American cutlers providing them. The slightly curved, blue niter blade follows a different design which dates from the more general 1830 Regulations or earlier, which only called for a vaguely defined "cut and thrust sword, yellow mounted". This combination works beautifully and provides a historical insight to the changes in naval officers swords. While it contains design elements from different Navy sword regulations, it is clearly of the highest quality craftsmanship. Shown at the right is the illustration from "Regulations for the Uniform and Dress of the Navy of the United States, 1841" which accompanied the regulations stating; The swords to be cut and thrust, the blade to be not less than twenty six inches long, and not less than one inch wide at the hilt. The belt must be made with a frog, so as to wear the sword perpendicular, grip to be of white, scabbard to be of black leather, mountings to be of yellow gilt. All to be according to the illustration above.   The Obverse M 1841 hilt shown above the reverse hilt. Both guards of equal size and similar design. 33 1/4 inches in overall length, 17 1/2 inches of the blade are niter blued with gold gilt washed vines, fowled anchor on the obverse, and an American eagle with E. Pluribus Unim within a banner inscribed on the reverse. Both sides of the 3 inch by 1 3/4 inch, gilted brass hinged guards are of equal size and are decorated with with two acorns and six oak leaves per the Regulation design. The gold feathers from the eagle's head pommel go down the full length of the back strap. The antique ivory grip has been carved in an eagle's breast feather pattern that begins with the neck and ends at a ferrule with a single band mounted above the cross guard that has an acorn on either end.  The resulting hilt shows an imposing eagle with a white ivory layered feathered breast. The head is regal with a fierce look and commanding presence.    The Obverse M 1841 blade section American eagle shown above the reverse blade section fouled anchor.   The 28 1/4 inch black leather scabbard is of the M 1841 prescribed design and carefully follows the drawing. It was crafted with the same attention to detail and its brass hardware has been engraved with 12 stars in an ellipse that surround a prominent frog on the throat band with a carrying ring. The center 3 1/4 inch band has a second carrying ring with a large 1 3/4 inch fouled anchor with scalloped edges and engraved waves and swirls.  The long 5 1/4 inch lower band has an engraved climbing vine with six alternating leaves and acorns. The upper end is finished like the central mount and the drag is a simple band. The work on the reverse brass is elegantly simple lines.   Together, they are a piece that makes quite a striking impression and was a prized possession in a Flag Officer's collection of fine edged weapons. It is an excellent addition to any accomplished edged weapons collection.                 M1841 shown in scabbard over a picture of the sword   CONDITION: Fine. The blade shows patches of pitting and blackening concentrated along the edges and spine with a few light handling marks. 90% of the original blue and gold gilt finish remain and have only lightened with age. The counter-guards are stuck in the closed position. There is a small crack present in the inside rear knuckle guard. The carved ivory grip shows some mild cracks and chips beneath the head, but is firmly ensconced in the hilt. Overall, the hilt is very good with aged brass visible on the high points and mild handling marks. The scabbard, for its age, is in excellent condition with only mild cracks and scuffs and a tight seam down the center back. There are a few dents and scratches on the hardware. PROVENANCE: From the collection of a civil minded Los Angles native who was a UCLA, and Harvard School of Management graduate and successful business executive with a major California utility. He had a simultaneous dual career as an Army Reservist who first served three years in the enlisted ranks and retired 39 years later as a major general. In civilian life, in addition to a successful business career, he also found time to serve on a planning commission, and library board of trustees and numerous veterans associations. His principal Army command positions were as Commander, 63" United States Army Reserve Command and as the Deputy Commanding General Headquarters, FORCES COMMAND, Atlanta, Georgia. He was also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. The deceased had a passion, not for fire arms as would be expected, but for edged weapons and had a large collection. This sword was one of his most prized possessions. He passed away in 2011 at age 74. His full biography will accompany the sword along with a color picture showing his promotion to major general.   The near perfect scabbard showing all of the regulation details   OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States if an error is due to our fault.   SHIPPING & INSURED PACKING by FedEx Ground to the 48 contiguous States , $125.00   International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Hebrides (Vanuatu), New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu (New Hebrides), USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.   ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to seller, but credit cards may be accepted through PayPal for verified members by special arrangement at an additional charge. Overseas terms are different. Copyright 2014 by Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved.