Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword / Sold

Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword - Inventory Number: SWO 260 / SOLD

This is a very good example of the regulation Civil War U.S. Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword. The brass hilt and scabbard mounts have an undisturbed, mellow, aged brass patina. The scabbard has all its original blue, typically shifting a bit toward a purple; the grip is complete, with full, gray shark/ray skin wrap and triple binding wire complete and tight. The scabbard mounts are in place, the throat matches the hilt in patina. 

The blade is full length, with smooth metal surface, good edge and point. No maker or dealer address is evident, but it was plainly imported here for sale by one of the military goods dealers catering to U.S. officers, who had to purchase their own uniforms, equipment, and arms.

Both sides of the blade are etched with military, floral, and patriotic motifs that are clearly visible against the lightly frosted panels, which show only a few scattered dark spots. The obverse employs a vine-entwined stand of arms at bottom, with shield, sword, flags, etc., with floral scrolls rolling up to a shield with “U.S.” on it and banner above showing stars and stripes, to a rather Germanic style eagle (though some American makers used the form as well) with raised wings that clutches arrows and an olive branch, has a U.S. stars and stripes shield on its chest, and has overhead a large, billowing “E PLURIBUS UNUM” foliate scroll. The reverse starts with a similar floral entwined stand of arms, followed by floral scrolls, and then a central “U.S.” in large, shaded letters, and finishes off the panel with more scrolls and another stand or trophy or arms showing a Roman-style curved rectangular shield with tall central pike rising behind it, flanked by banners on spearhead poles, with floral scrolls above.

The condition overall is good, with a mellow, aged brass tone to the hilt and mounts. The blade is a muted silver, with the etching visible. This pattern was adopted in 1850 for officers of field grade - majors and above - and those serving on staff duty, which on the regimental level would include regimental adjutants and at higher levels include aides on brigade staff, etc. These officers served mounted, so the pattern is similar to that adopted at the same time for foot officers but employs a slightly longer blade and far more robust, brass-mounted metal scabbard than the regulation leather scabbard of foot officers. In addition to the overall better quality that a higher-ranking officer might seek, the hilt is instantly recognizable in its incorporation of a “floating U.S.” where the cut-out letters appear amidst the openwork floral motifs.

This is a strong example of a regulation pattern Civil War U.S. officer’s sword that was carried in the field and in battle. 

It would be a great addition to a U.S. edged weapons collection, Civil War display or to accompany an officer’s effects: there are numerous Civil War photographs of it carried by officers, many well-known and not only of field grade or on staff duty, but also by many generals who preferred the robust M1850 to the elegant but comparatively frail M1860 staff or M1861 general officer’s sword.

Inventory Number: SWO 260 / SOLD