US 1840 PATTERN MUSICIAN'S SWORD

Standard pattern. See The American Sword, Peterson #44 with Ames Mfg Co Chicopee Mass maker’s mark to the blade. Reverse with  U S  GWC (inspector George W Chaplin) 1864 to the blade. The Ames marks particularly well struck for that maker. Hilt with good patina. Blade smooth glossy patina and a few minor edge nicks. Musicians marched at the head of the attack and were recognized as a stabilizing and stimulating force. They were attacked to silence them and a few including Robert Henry Hendershot and John Clem became legends for their bravery on the battlefield. Union musicians were equipped with the 1840 pattern sword and no other weapon. From the famed American Sword Collection of Frank Barnyak.