US Civil War M1850 Foot Officer’s Sword

Description

Patterned after a French model, as were most Western swords of the 19^th C, the US Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword was the regulation sword of field grade officers (lieutenants and captains) from 1850 through 1872. The M1850 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword, designated for the rank of major and above, differed only in having a “US” cutout in the guard. The regulations concerning model and rank were not observed, however, as we have had foot officer swords presented to colonels and generals and staff and field swords presented to lieutenants. This example of standard pattern, with gilt cast brass guard with cutout foliate decoration, reverse scroll quillon and Phrygian helmet style pommel; wood grip with shagreen covering and twisted brass wire wrap (complete, but worn). Slightly curved 31 3/4” single-edged blade with one broad fuller and a shorter narrow fuller at the spine. Blade not visibly maker-marked, but is engraved with typical foliate decoration, stands of arms, and patriotic motifs (worn); the spine marked “IRON PROOF”. Black leather scabbard with three gilt brass mounts and twin carry rings (leather dry, shrunken, and flaking, with part of the seam open, but it is complete and undamaged). This sword shows age and wear typical of a sword frequently carried in the field; the brass with gilding remaining in protected areas, the rest with a deep brown patina. Overall length 37 3/8”, not including scabbard. If it could talk, this sword would probably have tales of the battles it has seen.