Civil War Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword Identified to Samuel C. Schoyer, 139th Pennsylvania Infantry / On-hold

Description

Civil War Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword

Identified to Samuel C. Schoyer, 139th Pennsylvania Infantry

 

An exceptional Historic Deluxe Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword, identified to Lieutenant Samuel C. Schoyer, 139th Pennsylvania Infantry, one of the most richly documented and personalized officer swords to surface.

 

The sword features a finely cast and gilt brass hilt with deluxe detailing, including an elegant scroll-form guard, finely wrapped grip, and ornate mounts. The blade is etched and dated “1861”, consistent with early-war production. The ricasso is maker-marked “Collins & Co., Hartford, Conn.”, one of the most respected American sword manufacturers of the period.

 

The reverse of the guard bears a deeply engraved presentation inscription reading:

“Lieut. Saml. C. Schoyer /from his /Pittsburgh friends.”

This inscription firmly establishes the sword as a presentation piece, likely given upon his commissioning or departure for service—an increasingly rare survival where inscription, officer, and unit all align.

 

Lieutenant Schoyer served with the 139th Pennsylvania Infantry, a regiment actively engaged in the Eastern Theater. The sword retains its original scabbard and displays honest service wear, with rich, untouched patina throughout—never over-cleaned and preserving its full historical character.

 

This sword represents the gold standard of Civil War officer weaponry: deluxe quality, early-war date, premier maker, and ironclad personal identification.

 

Samuel Chadwick Schoyer:

Residence Allegheny County, PA. Enlisted on 9/1/1862 as a 1st Lieut. On 9/1/1862, he was commissioned into “G” Co. Pennsylvania 139th Infantry. He was discharged disability on 5/6/1865. He was listed as: Wounded 6/2/1864 Cold Harbor, VA. Promotions: Capt 1/19/1863. Died 2/11/1890 Buried: Allegheny Cemty, Pittsburgh, PA Sec 19, Lot 21 Gravesite: 9 (Or Shover)

 

Inventory Number: SWO 332