This attractive Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword, complete with original metal scabbard was presented to Lieutenant Thomas W. Cartright. This young man enlisted in the 5^th New York Infantry on April 25, 1861 as a private. He quickly rose through the ranks and was commissioned 2^nd lieutenant of Company G in November of 1861. He would eventually reach the rank of Captain, but it was for the promotion to 2^nd lieutenant in November of 1861 that Cartright was presented this sword. He was shot in the leg at Big Bethel, Virginia on June 10, 1861 and suffered wounds to the arm and shoulder at Gaines’ Mill on June 27, 1862. Thomas Cartright would eventually succumb to this wound on December 26, 1862.

This edged weapon measures a total length of approximately 35” from tip to pommel. The beautiful steel blade is 29” long and carries a 27” narrow fuller and a 27 ½” unstopped wide fuller. Blade, with its rounded back, is profusely embellished via the acid etching process on both sides and features both ornate military motifs and floral designs with gilt backgrounds. The spine features an engraved but worn French manufacturer’s mark. Retains the red washer. Obverse flat of blade is profuse with foliate, a mounted soldier near the ricasso, and “Thos. W. Cartright” in Old English script. Two makers hallmarks are also seen here just above the “washer”. Reverse flat starts with a panoply of arms with an eagle atop and ribbon with “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.  A larger spread-winged eagle follows with much more foliate design. No edge nicks visible.

Sword has a detailed, cutout brass hilt with the guard and knucklebow cast in one piece. The brass hilt features cutout foliate, “US”, and ornate quillon. Covering the wood handle is gray sharkskin in tight condition with some wear and scuffing in spots. Seam tight and visible. Double twisted wire is wrapped tightly about the grooves in the handle. Grips are in good condition. Brass pommel cap has a cast floral pattern border. Grips are tight to the blade tang.

The metal scabbard is in very good condition. Has two brass ring mounts, brass bands and brass drag. Brass throat collar, tight to the scabbard, is engraved “Presented to / Thos W. Cartright / by his Friends / of the 20^th Ward / New York.  Nov. 1861.” The small set screw for the throat is missing. No maker’s stamping visible. Brass sword rings solidly attached. Other sword band and the drag have their small, brass set screws. Drag has several small dings. All brass has a pleasing color. Scabbard shows light wear but is in excellent overall condition.

There were two Thomas W. Cartright’s from New York. Both men were wounded twice. However, we can be sure that this sword belonged to the Thomas Cartright in Duryee’s Zouaves due to 1855 census records. The Thomas Cartright in the 5^th NY was from the 20^th Ward of New York City as the engraved presentation on the scabbard states. The other Thomas Cartright, who served in the 63^rd NY (Irish Brigade), was from the 3^rd Ward of New York City.  Full records for both men as well as the 1855 census pages are included.

Included at the end of the photos above is an image of a wounded Cartright in uniform, graciously shared with us by an individual who is descended from two members of the 5th New York Zouaves. A printed copy will be included with the sword.

This is a field grade sword, not one of those ostentatious presentation swords, and is most likely the sword Lt. Cartright was carrying when he was wounded at Gaines Mill. A handsome Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword with very nice battle history.

Accompanied by military records from the National Archives.  [jet]

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