Presentation Sword and Scabbard
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Henry Champion Deming
(American, 1815 - 1872)
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
David Clark
(American, 1806 - 1889)
ManufacturerManufactured by
Ames Manufacturing Company
(American)
Date1863
MediumSteel, brass, shagreen (sharkskin), leather
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall length): 38in. (96.5cm)
Other (blade length): 32in. (81.3cm)
ClassificationsWeapons
Credit LineGift of William H. Guthman
Object number1965.45.1a-b
DescriptionSingle edged, slightly curved blade with a false edge extending 9 inches from the point. There are two fullers on the blade, the first fuller is wide and shallow and runs from the ricasso to 10 inches from the point. The second fuller is deep and narrow and runs from 4 1/2 inches from the hilt to 12 inches from the point. Both sides of the blade are etched, with the obverse side etched with (top to bottom); floral sprays, a banner which reads "E / PLURIBUS / UNUM," an eagle with shield, war trophies and floral designs, and a blank section etched with "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass." at the bottom. The reverse side is etched with (top to bottom); floral sprays, war trophies, "U.S.", war trophies, more floral sprays, war trophies, and a patterned design to the ricasso. There is a leather washer between the ricasso and the hilt. The hilt of the sword is cast brass and features a large half basket style pierced guard on the obverse side, decorated in a floral design with the letters "U.S." The reverse side of the guard is slightly turned up, and the quillon terminates at the back of the blade in a scrolling disc finial. The knuckle bow is decorated with floral designs along the outside and is pierced at the bottom for a sword knot. The knuckle bow connects to the pommel at the base, which is of the Phrygian helmet pattern cast with leaf designs along the outside edges and bottom edge. The handle is grooved wood wrapped in shagreen (sharkskin), and then wrapped with coiled wire between the grooves. The scabbard is japanned steel with brass bands and carrying rings. The top band has a single carrying ring and is decorated with floral decorations along the center part of the band that connects to the carrying ring; below that, engraved above the carrying ring band it reads: " Presented to / Col. H.C. Demming / 12th Regt. Conn Vols. / by his friend / David Clarke".
Stamped on the reverse side of the top band is: "AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS". The center band is almost identical to the top band with floral designs in the place of the engraved top section. The tip has a similar design along the sides, with the center having an applied piece of brass in a scrolling floral design.
Stamped on the reverse side of the top band is: "AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS". The center band is almost identical to the top band with floral designs in the place of the engraved top section. The tip has a similar design along the sides, with the center having an applied piece of brass in a scrolling floral design.
Status
Not on view
