On the original buff leather belt with regulation 1833 pattern 2-piece buckle (see figure #6, Plates & Buckles of the American Military by Kerksis.) The grip on the sword is correct simulated fish scale with 3 iron rivets, crossguard with simple circular quillons, inspector marks ADK & RHKW. All the brass has a nice light patina. The double edged blade is 19" long and in very fine condition. Maker marks on the blade are "Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee" and on the reverse US and ADK over the date 1855. The blade is minty with minor surface marks. The black leather scabbard is also near mint and has not been detached from the frog. The stitch seam on the scabbard is perfect. The buff belt is uncleaned with age patina. Purchased from The Horse Soldier almost a decade ago.

U.S. Model 1840 Non-Commissioned officer's sword with scabbard and leather sling, complete with eagle plate. Inscribed to Francis E. Burt, then a Sergeant of C Company, 10th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Brass hilt with cast simulated wire grip, all mellow gold and uncleaned patina. Double kidney shaped counter guard with stippled inscription (typical of a local artisan or sutler) "SERGT. F. E. BURT 10TH REGT. CT. INF." Single flat strap knucklebow with single-edged 32.5" straight blade, excellent condition. Scabbard has brass throat with hook attached to original and outstanding shoulder sling complete with keeper and eagle plate. All leather is very supple, ricasso of blade deeply marked "COLLINS & CO/ HARTFORD/CONN./1862" for Collins & Company, NYC whose factory was located in Connecticut. Collins was originally a maker of axes & plows, but they received two large governmental contracts for NCO swords in 1862 and 1865. Sergeant Burt enlisted as a private and eventually made his way through the ranks to Captain at war’s end. He was likely one of the hardest fighters of any of the soldiers whose artifacts reside in the collection. Wounded twice, he fought with the 10th Connecticut in more than 40 battles and skirmishes through the duration of the war. Among the battles was the storied assault on Battery Wagner with the black 54th Massachusetts regiment.