This handsome, imported edged weapon is the classic Civil War style specimen that the Surgeon General and U.S. Medical Department designated as the Medical Staff Sword.  Adopted in 1840 and officially known as the Model 1840, this style medical staff sword remained the regulation weapon for all United States Army medical officers for the next 62 years. An original sword and scabbard in very good plus condition, this sidearm was produced in Europe, probably Germany, by one of the well-known sword-making firms. Sword was imported into the US by the retailer and assembler firm of Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York.

A private purchase by a Federal medical officer, this imported sword measures a total of 35” long and has a 30” long blade by ¾” wide at the hilt.  In very good condition, this straight, double-edged, evenly tapered, slightly elliptical-shaped blade exhibits a profuse, etched floral design etching on both flats. Blade has a few scattered dark oxidation spots with some light filing marks but is mostly bright overall. Obverse ricasso shows the etched importer’s mark of “SCHUYLER / HARTLEY / & GRAHAM  / NEW YORK” followed by floral designs. Reverse flat shows similar floral designs along with lettering that reads “M. S” in script.

The ornate hilt is gilded with highly detailed cast brass and is in three parts; grip, pommel and guard. Both sides of the grip are molded with one bearing an oval medallion with an American spreadwinged eagle. The crossguard consists of two graceful quillons decorated with leaf motifs, in addition to two lancet shield devices, one of the obverse and another on the reverse side of the hilt.  The reverse shield is plain with raised borders while the obverse shield bears the letters “M S” (Medical Service) in old English script above seven 5-pointed stars all encircled with laurel leaves. Minor surface rust visible on the blade ricasso at the hilt. Pommel has a pineapple-shaped screw cap that secures the tang of the blade.  Grip is slightly loose to the blade tang.

The undented metal scabbard is gilded brass and exhibits highlights of gold gilt on the entire piece.  Specimen has a cast, geometric and floral decorative upper band 1½” from the throat. This band has two suspension rings at either side while 3” below this band is another longer band, similarly decorated with only one suspension ring. The scabbard drag is decorated in high relief with standard oak leaf floral designs on both sides.  All brass on the sword and scabbard wears a fine, light mellow patina overall. This excellent condition, imported medical sword by SH & G is complete with its metal scabbard and would highlight any edged weapon collection or medical grouping.

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