Sword identification

[Rockbob]

I purchased a nice musicians sword made in 1863 with inspection marks and Ames manufacturing stamp. Except it has a Pettibone Brothers engraving which post dates the Civil War. Can anyone explain what's going on?

 

[JOHN42768]

Pettibone Bros. began in 1872. Likely some type of honorary, possible their grand opening of military goods store???

 

[bayonet]

Probably purchased many surplus swords, attached their name to them, then sold them dirt cheap at a profit to anyone that would buy them as in GAR members & Posts.

 

[Rockbob]

Sounds like a reasonable explanation. I would like to know if the sword is authentic.

 

[JackADriscoll]

Can we see some full length shots and some handle shot please

 

[Rockbob]

Very good condition. Some minor nicks.
I paid $291 at the Horse Soldier in Gettysburg.

 

[Salterr]

Sounds like a reasonable explanation. I would like to know if the sword is authentic.

The sword is authentic, it just has a post war marking. ADK is Andrew King and he was the inspector until 1864 I think. The retailers usually have that style of etching post war and can be found a lot on the post war 1860 staff sword.

 

[bayonet]

Now just buy a Fife & Drum to go along with your Musicians Sword

 

[JackADriscoll]

That's a hair more than I would have paid but it is nice and the extra marking is unique

 

[R. Porter]

That model of sword was probably used by the Army into the 20th century. The markings show that it was accepted by the U.S. military. The sword was possibly sold as surplus after the war. As an alternative, it may have traveled home with a veteran after the war. Pettibone may have acquired it and later sold it to a militia unit, a fraternal organization, or as a private purchase to someone. It may have had a brief tour of duty during the Spanish American War. It appears to be in nice shape so it is unlikely to have spent time left on a battlefield or in someone's barn.

 

[Glen_C]

Can we see some full length shots and some handle shot please

That's cheating

 

[Salterr]

That's a hair more than I would have paid but it is nice and the extra marking is unique

Horsesoldier has just gotten out of touch lately. Their prices keep climbing as if they're struggling so many other dealers have more reasonable prices but they sure do have the best collection. They have $1300 shoulder boards that should be half that price!

 

[bayonet]

That model of sword was probably used by the Army into the 20th century. The markings show that it was accepted by the U.S. military. The sword was possibly sold as surplus after the war. As an alternative, it may have traveled home with a veteran after the war. Pettibone may have acquired it and later sold it to a militia unit, a fraternal organization, or as a private purchase to someone. It may have had a brief tour of duty during the Spanish American War. It appears to be in nice shape so it is unlikely to have spent time left on a battlefield or in someone's barn.

You know any Musicians on the "battlefield"!

 

[bayonet]

Horsesoldier has just gotten out of touch lately. Their prices keep climbing as if they're struggling so many other dealers have more reasonable prices but they sure do have the best collection. They have $1300 shoulder boards that should be half that price!

There in Gettysburg so them be tourist prices!

 

[R. Porter]

You know any Musicians on the "battlefield"!

Weren't they employed in transporting the wounded? I am using battlefield in the general sense of outside, on the ground, in the general vicinity in which a battle was fought or troops camped as opposed to inside a structure such as a barn or shed which would have provided a reduced level of exposure to the elements that would cause rust or other oxidation or random impacts from plows or wagons or other sources of injury in order to express the idea in brief rather than to have to explain the concept in minute detail and take up several lines of text. Along a route of march would be included too.

 

[Salterr]

There in Gettysburg so them be tourist prices!

They sure are

 

[Rockbob]

The time I spent with the salesman at the Horse Soldier was invaluable. He went over all the swords by rank. I brought him a half dozen swords and we went over each and all the details that make them different and valuable. I was happy to reward his efforts.

 

[Old Soldier]

Weren't they employed in transporting the wounded? I am using battlefield in the general sense of outside, on the ground, in the general vicinity in which a battle was fought or troops camped as opposed to inside a structure such as a barn or shed which would have provided a reduced level of exposure to the elements that would cause rust or other oxidation or random impacts from plows or wagons or other sources of injury in order to express the idea in brief rather than to have to explain the concept in minute detail and take up several lines of text. Along a route of march would be included too.

From what I have read, the musicians went to war with the regiment. They were formed up behind the company line. They played during Battles. Apparently, at Gettysburg, they played 'Dixie' as Pickett's units went forward - and 'Nearer my God to thee' on the withdrawal. They were for boosting morale. Custer frequently utilized military musicians and bands during his campaigns to boost morale and direct movements during a charge. At the Battle of Brandy Station, he had his mounted musicians loudly play patriotic standards like "Yankee Doodle" to spur his cavalry forward.

There were no Geneva Conventions at this time and no 'Red Cross' so stretcher-bearers had no immunity and casualty evacuation was usually done after ground had been secured - often AFTER the battle. Later, when band became redundant in the field - 1870 onwards - they were used for casualty evacuation.

 

[bayonet]

From what I have read, the musicians went to war with the regiment. They were formed up behind the company line. They played during Battles. Apparently, at Gettysburg, they played 'Dixie' as Pickett's units went forward - and 'Nearer my God to thee' on the withdrawal. They were for boosting morale. Custer frequently utilized military musicians and bands during his campaigns to boost morale and direct movements during a charge. At the Battle of Brandy Station, he had his mounted musicians loudly play patriotic standards like "Yankee Doodle" to spur his cavalry forward.

There were no Geneva Conventions at this time and no 'Red Cross' so stretcher-bearers had no immunity and casualty evacuation was usually done after ground had been secured - often AFTER the battle. Later, when band became redundant in the field - 1870 onwards - they were used for casualty evacuation.

and today their in the rear with the gear. Band Geeks according to movie AMERICAN PIE!

 

[Glen_C]

and today their in the rear with the gear. Band Geeks according to movie AMERICAN PIE!

...and marched to Gettysburg with their swords.