1850 Model Foot Officer’s Sword – General Winfield Scott is Engraved on the Top Mount

Description

1850 Model Foot Officer’s Sword

 

A particularly attractive and high-grade French-import Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword, representing one of the finest styles of officer’s sidearms carried during the Civil War era. This example exhibits excellent preservation throughout and displays the refined craftsmanship associated with quality French military sword production.

 

The blade remains bright with a pleasing luster and only a light sprinkling of dark gray patina speckling near the tip. The blade features the characteristic double fullers extending nearly to the point, a hallmark of many period French-manufactured officer’s swords. The acid-etched decoration remains crisp, well-defined, and easily visible.

 

Located near the guard are two French maker’s proof marks: a shield containing the letter “S” and an oval featuring a crown above the letter “P.” These marks further confirm its quality French manufacture.

 

The brass hilt retains an even, mellow golden appearance developed through age and careful preservation. The guard displays elegant floral and scrollwork decoration, while the grip retains its original ray (shark) skin covering and tightly wrapped twisted wire. A red cloth washer remains present at the base of the blade where it meets the guard, an important original feature intended to help prevent moisture from entering the scabbard.

 

The scabbard is particularly ornate, featuring richly decorated brass mounts. The upper mount displays a standing officer wearing epaulettes, believed to represent General Winfield Scott, while the reverse retains a decorative oval presentation panel that was never engraved. The middle mount is adorned with scrollwork motifs, and the lower mount features a starburst pattern and foliate decoration. The leather body of the scabbard remains solid, retaining its original black finish with no significant flaking, and the stitched seam remains intact along the reverse.
An exceptionally well-preserved and highly decorative example of the iconic Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword, offering outstanding eye appeal and historical significance.

 

Condition: Excellent overall. Bright etched blade with minor age speckling near the tip. Brass hilt and mounts retain an attractive mellow patina. Original sharkskin grip and twisted wire wrap intact. Leather scabbard remains solid with strong black finish and intact stitching. 

 

Inventory Number: SWO 380