A very handsome M1850 foot officer’s silver-hilted sword with its fine metal scabbard. This high quality blade was manufactured by the sword-making dynasty of Gerbruder Weyersberg of Solingen, Prussia (now Germany) and assembled by importer William H. Horstmann and Sons of Philadelphia. Horstmann, a well-known sword retailer and importer, contracted with the Prussian firm for most of the retailer’s high quality swords. Horstmann imported and fitted these blades with grips and then applied his blade address on the ricasso.

The high-grade steel blade is slightly curved and measures 31½” long with a 23” long stopped fuller and 13” narrow fuller. Both flats of the blade exhibit intricately acid-etched floral decorations along with military motifs. All etchings strong and sharp with good detail and minimal wear. Starting at the blade’s reverse ricasso is a foliate design that incorporates a military motif of flags, lances, drums and a shield device. A large script “U.S.” is next followed by more foliate. The ricasso on the blade obverse exhibits the etched retailer’s mark that reads “W. H. / HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA”. Rest of flat bears a similar etched design as the obverse. Rounded blade back exhibits the stamping “IRON PROOF”. Blade exhibits a pleasing mottled gray coloring overall with light pinprick pitting and oxidation.

The ornate, cast brass hilt is typical of a foot officer’s sword and displays a floral decorated guard with a single band integrated into the knucklebow. Handsome hilt has swelled, wooden grips in perfect condition that features a very fine, silver-mounted handle. Grips secured with fine double-twisted brass wire flanked on each side by a strand of single twisted brass wire, all tight and strong. Quillon and hilt face exhibit pleasing floral casting. Has remains of the original leather washer. Pommel shows a single-domed cap with a plain, undecorated brim. All brass has a gold gilt coloring overall. No nicks visible on the blade edge.

The original steel scabbard is in excellent condition complete with two, ornate brass bands, mounts and brass drag. Each sword mount is tight and secures a 1” diameter brass ring. Scabbard retains all screws. Scabbard body exhibits a pleasing dark plum patina overall. A high-quality M1850 foot officer’s edged weapon, this specimen is a fine, Horstmann-marked piece to compliment any Civil War display or collection.

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