1840 Medical Staff Sword Presented to Acting Assistant Surgeon L. Smith, U.S. General Hospital Division 2, Annapolis, Maryland / SOLD
The Model 1840 Ames Medical Staff sword was unique when compared to the sword patterns for both Staff and Field/Line officers and Non-Commissioned officers of the same time period. These swords were elegant in design and completely ceremonial in purpose. This example has the highly decorated regulation gilt brass grip and guard, with “M.S.” for medical service in old English lettering on the front langet. The reverse langet bears the inscription “Presented to Dr. L. Smith Act. Asst. Surg. U.S.A. by the Members of Section 2.” An oval field on the grip is inscribed “Token of Gratitude.” The ricasso bears the standing knight maker’s mark of W. Clauberg of Solingen. The blade has a pleasing mellow gray patina with floral and patriotic etchings, with “United States Medical Staff” etched in cursive on the reverse. The steel scabbard is complete with all decorative brass mounts, and the center mount bears the inscription “U.S. Genl. Hospital Div. No.2 Annapolis Md. Nov. 13 1864.” St. John’s College served as U.S. General Hospital Division No.2 during the war. This is a fine addition to a Civil War sword or medical collection.
Inventory Number: SWO 203 / SOLD