Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword Presented to Surgeon J. T. Porteous, 118th New York Volunteer Infantry “The Fighting Surgeon”

Description

Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword

Presented to Surgeon J. T. Porteous, 118th New York Volunteer Infantry

“The Fighting Surgeon”

 

Exceptional and historically significant Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword, presented by the officers of the 118th New York Volunteer Infantry (NYVI) to their regimental surgeon, J. T. Porteous, as confirmed by the finely engraved inscription on the folding clamshell guard:

“Presented to Surgeon J. T. Porteaus by the Officers of the 118th N.Y.V.I.”

 

The sword features a gilded brass hilt with folding clamshell guard, bearing a clear proof mark on the clamshell, and an elliptical, curved blade displaying a maker’s mark at the ricasso, consistent with supported American import or domestic manufacture of the Civil War period. The blade retains correct geometry and proportion for the Model 1860 pattern.

 

Notably, this sword deviates from regulation in its grip, which has been professionally replaced likely during the period with a section of natural stag or bone, rather than standard sharkskin wrap. Such modifications are documented on privately owned officer swords and often reflect personal preference, availability, or repair during service. This unique grip exhibits appropriate age, wear, and patina, integrating with the hilt.

 

Surgeon J. T. Porteous – “The Fighting Surgeon”

Surgeon J. T. Porteous was attached to the 118th New York Volunteer Infantry, a hard-fighting regiment that saw extensive service with the Army of the Potomac. The 118th NYVI participated in major engagements including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Overland Campaign, and Petersburg, suffering heavy casualties throughout the war.

 

Porteous earned the informal sobriquet “the Fighting Surgeon”, a title reflecting his reputation for front-line presence, personal bravery, and devotion to wounded men under fire—a distinction not lightly bestowed within Civil War regiments. Surgeons who exposed themselves to danger alongside line officers were deeply respected, and presentation swords such as this were often commissioned by officers to honor extraordinary service and leadership beyond medical duties alone.

 

The fact that this sword was presented by the officers of the regiment, rather than privately commissioned, underscores the esteem in which Surgeon Porteous was held and firmly anchors the piece to the lived experience of the 118th NYVI.

 

The 118th New York Volunteer Infantry

Organized in 1862, the 118th NYVI quickly established a reputation for discipline and resilience. The regiment sustained significant losses during the Gettysburg Campaign and later endured the brutal trench warfare of Petersburg, where medical officers played a critical role under constant fire and appalling conditions.

 

Named presentation swords associated with the 118th NYVI are exceedingly rare, particularly those tied to medical officers, making this example especially desirable.

 

Inventory Number: SWO 335