This Civil War specimen is an original, rare Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword assembled by the small retailing firm of Canfield Brothers & Company Baltimore, Maryland. The Canfield Bros. served as a sword retailer for local market in Baltimore and other parts of the state, as well as for the Washington DC area. Blades, hilts and parts were likely imported from Europe and assembled in Baltimore.

This slightly curved steel blade measures 31” long and has a width of 1 1/8” with a 20¼” long stopped fuller and 15½” narrow fuller. Both flats of the blade exhibit acid-etched floral decorations along with military motifs. Entire blade exhibits a dark gray patina overall. All etchings have smooth light wear and are clear and detailed. Starting at the blade’s reverse ricasso is the etched retailer’s mark that reads “C. B. & Co. / Balt.” followed by a foliate design that incorporates a military motif of flags, lances, drums, a shield device, and a Liberty Cap. Next are the script letters “U.S.” followed by more floral décor. Blade obverse exhibits the same military motifs and floral etching and includes a seldom seen depiction of a “skull and crossbones” image in place of the normal spreadwinged eagle display. Rounded blade back shows no stamping. Blade exhibits almost no pitting overall but does show a number (5) of edge nicks.

The ornate cast brass hilt is typical of the foot officer’s sword and displays a floral decorated, single band guard integrated into the knucklebow. Brass hilt is tight at the grips but is missing its original washer. Brass pommel exhibits a single-domed cap with a cast oak leaf design along the edges. All brass has acquired a dark bronze patina overall. Grips are in good, solid condition and feature a sharkskin-covered wooden handle. All the double twist wire wrap is missing save for two strands at the pommel. Grips have a few spots of wear through and light chipping. No scabbard. This M1850 foot officer’s edged weapon is a rare Canfield Brothers-marked piece and is a specimen to compliment any Civil War display or collection.

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