NATIONAL LANCERS-BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS.

NATIONAL LANCERS-BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS. EXTREMELY RARE U.S. MODEL 1833 DRAGOON SWORD MARKED “NATIONAL LANCERS” AND LATER PERIOD UNIFORM COATEE AND BELT. This sword and uniform from very different periods of history are linked to the National Lancers from Boston Massachusetts. The first item is an extremely rare U.S. Model 1833 Dragoon saber, which is inscribed “National Lancers” on the reverse side of the blade. A standard regulation model, made by Ames and thus marked “N.P. Ames Cutler/Springfield/Mass” and dated “1837” on the ricasso. The sword has a quill backed single edged blade measuring 33.5”. The hilt is of brass with a three-branch counterguard and the turned down quillion is stamped “37”. Bird’s head pommel and backstrap. The scabbard is of iron with a large drag. The grip is of wood covered with brown leather. Only a small group of these were made on contract to this historic militia cavalry troop. CONDITION: Good. Blade is gray with light pitting, markings are clear. Hilt is uncleaned and the counterguard slightly bent. Grip is missing its wire wrap and 1” piece of wood is missing near the pommel. Scabbard is dark, uncleaned and has numerous creases near the drag. The second item is an early to mid 20th century National Lancers uniform coat and belt. Custom tailored by the Rosenberg Uniform Company, Boston, Mass, the red wool coatee is of European style, double breasted with a dark blue plastron, collar and cuffs. On the collar is “NL” embroidered and applied in gilt wire. Welts of dark blue follow the back of the sleeve and rise from the tails in the back. Dark blue shoulder knots accompany. The coatee is lined in a white polished cotton material and the maker’s label is on the interior left breast pocket. Accompanying the coat is a white buff leather Sam Browne belt dated to the approximate age of the coat. Most of the buttons, except for a few replacements, were made by D. Evans & Co. Attleboro, Mass. There is a two-piece brass uniform button with “NL” in Old English on the face. CONDITION: Good. Some fading has occurred and rank insignia has been removed from the sleeves. Interior is stained. Some buttons re-sewn and/or replaced but overall it provides an impressive appearance. The National Lancers has a long and distinguished history as a volunteer troop of militia cavalry. The Lancers were organized on 31 October 1836 at the request of Gov. Edward Everett of Massachusetts. In 1845, the National Lancers adopted a uniform consisting of a red tunic with a blue plastron, blue breeches adorned with the “czapka” and the Polish lancer shako. In 1852, the unit was redesignated as Company A, 1st Battalion of Light Dragoons. However, the unit kept its distinctive designation as the National Lancers. With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Lancers organized two war service troops; Companies C and D, 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry. These companies fought with the Army of the Potomac taking part in campaigns in South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. During the Boston Draft Riot in July 1863, the National Lancers, in its home guard role, helped put down the rioting and stopped a mob from seizing the guns and armory of the Boston Light Artillery. Present day Massachusetts National Guard units claim descent from this historic group and there exists a “ceremonial” troop of National Lancers, which are organized as a private non-profit group. 4-50972 CW8 (1,500-2,500)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2004

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	642	$4,887.00	NATIONAL LANCERS-BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS. EXTREMELY RARE U.S. MODEL 1833 DRAGOON SWORD MARKED “NATIONAL LANCERS” AND LATER PERIOD UNIFORM COATEE AND BELT. This sword and uniform from very different periods of history are linked to the National Lancers from Boston Massachusetts. The first item is an extremely rare U.S. Model 1833 Dragoon saber, which is inscribed “National Lancers” on the reverse side of the blade. A standard regulation model, made by Ames and thus marked “N.P. Ames Cutler/Springfield/Mass” and dated “1837” on the ricasso. The sword has a quill backed single edged blade measuring 33.5”. The hilt is of brass with a three-branch counterguard and the turned down quillion is stamped “37”. Bird’s head pommel and backstrap. The scabbard is of iron with a large drag. The grip is of wood covered with brown leather. Only a small group of these were made on contract to this historic militia cavalry troop. CONDITION: Good. Blade is gray with light pitting, markings are clear. Hilt is uncleaned and the counterguard slightly bent. Grip is missing its wire wrap and 1” piece of wood is missing near the pommel. Scabbard is dark, uncleaned and has numerous creases near the drag. The second item is an early to mid 20th century National Lancers uniform coat and belt. Custom tailored by the Rosenberg Uniform Company, Boston, Mass, the red wool coatee is of European style, double breasted with a dark blue plastron, collar and cuffs. On the collar is “NL” embroidered and applied in gilt wire. Welts of dark blue follow the back of the sleeve and rise from the tails in the back. Dark blue shoulder knots accompany. The coatee is lined in a white polished cotton material and the maker’s label is on the interior left breast pocket. Accompanying the coat is a white buff leather Sam Browne belt dated to the approximate age of the coat. Most of the buttons, except for a few replacements, were made by D. Evans & Co. Attleboro, Mass. There is a two-piece brass uniform button with “NL” in Old English on the face. CONDITION: Good. Some fading has occurred and rank insignia has been removed from the sleeves. Interior is stained. Some buttons re-sewn and/or replaced but overall it provides an impressive appearance. The National Lancers has a long and distinguished history as a volunteer troop of militia cavalry. The Lancers were organized on 31 October 1836 at the request of Gov. Edward Everett of Massachusetts. In 1845, the National Lancers adopted a uniform consisting of a red tunic with a blue plastron, blue breeches adorned with the “czapka” and the Polish lancer shako. In 1852, the unit was redesignated as Company A, 1st Battalion of Light Dragoons. However, the unit kept its distinctive designation as the National Lancers. With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Lancers organized two war service troops; Companies C and D, 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry. These companies fought with the Army of the Potomac taking part in campaigns in South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. During the Boston Draft Riot in July 1863, the National Lancers, in its home guard role, helped put down the rioting and stopped a mob from seizing the guns and armory of the Boston Light Artillery. Present day Massachusetts National Guard units claim descent from this historic group and there exists a “ceremonial” troop of National Lancers, which are organized as a private non-profit group. 4-50972 CW8 (1,500-2,500) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2004 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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