This original M1840’s Musician sword is a handsome specimen in excellent condition and typical of that carried by Federal musicians and band members.  The overall length of the weapon is 34½” with a shiny bright, steel blade 28” long and ¾” wide at the hilt.   It features a brass hilt with a single guard, and rests in an original black leather scabbard fitted with a brass drag and brass throat.   The minty, single-edged blade has a stopped fuller and a ricasso marked on the obverse with “US / ADK / 1862” in three lines.  The reverse side is stamped with “Made by / AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE.”   Scroll design is very thin.  Brass hilt feature grips with a simulated cast-brass wire wrap cover. Knucklebow has an inspector’s mark of “A.D.K.” (Adrian D. King) stamped on the reverse of the guard.  

The War Dept. adopted the Musicians sword in 1840 and this sword was essentially the same design as the M1840 NCO sword adopted at the same time.  The only differences between the two weapons were that the musician sword did not have the double counter-guard and its blade was four inches shorter.  The scabbard is constructed of black bridle leather that is in exceptional fine condition with just scattered, light surface cracking. Brass drag is tight and fine with markings of “A.H.C.”  (unknown inspector) at the tip. 

Current thinking of many collectors is to assume that the musicians’ sword was a decoration, but that is not the case. Bandsmen accompanied the combat troops in the field and the musicians could (and would) be called upon to fight and defend themselves in battle. All Union Army musicians carried serviceable weapons. This Musician sword, which appears to have been lightly cleaned at one time, is a fine, collectable specimen that would highlight any Civil War display or grouping.