4 and 5
Militia Noncommissioned Officer’s Sword 1850-1870 (HLP 14 & 15)
This slide shows two specimens of the noncommissioned officer’s swords. Both are shown together because, at first glance, they seem to be the same. However, close examination will prove that very detail is different! One blade is longer, wider and thicker. The pommels are different. The langets are completely different. Many of these flimsy weapons were purchased by the elite state militia organizations prior to the Civil War and these swords were used in that conflict. The materials in both swords are the same. The pommels are stylized helmets made of brass. Both swords have bone grips with a ferrel at the base. The bone grips are fluted horizontally. The guards of both swords have cross quillons but differ in design. The left sword has shield shaped langets, bearing U. S. shields with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. The right sword has engraved designs on the cross quillons, and a floral design on the obverse side of the langet. The blades of both swords are straight and are not engraved. No maker’s names or marks are on these swords.
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