This original Model 1850 Officer’s Staff and Field sword, complete with original metal scabbard, is a fine blade specimen by the Solingen, Prussia firm of Gebruder Weyersberg. Blade was imported and assembled by Horstmann of Philadelphia, PA and carried by many higher-ranking Federal officers during the Civil War.

The quality steel edged weapon measures a total length of almost 40” from tip to pommel. The fine looking steel blade is 35” long and carries a 17½” narrow fuller and a 26” stopped 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. Back has the raised, worn letters “IRON PROOF”. Retains the blade pad or washer. Obverse ricasso exhibits “W. H. / HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA” etching above the maker’s “Knight’s Head” figure. Both blade flats have detailed etching on a smooth, satin-like dusty gray sheen overall. Light rust pinprick pitting in areas but heavy rust pitting on both sides just at the point. Obverse flat of blade is profuse with foliate, a spreadwinged eagle, pennant with “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, and more foliate to within 17” of the tip. Reverse flat starts with a panoply of arms, a foliate design, then the script letters “US” followed with more decorative foliate. No edge nicks visible.

Sword has a detailed, two-band cutout brass hilt with the guard and knucklebow cast in one piece. Upper band of brass hilt features prominent cutout letters “US” surrounded by finely detailed, cutout foliate. The outer band of the hilt is bent back toward the grips ass normal. Lower band has an intricate, foliate cutout design. Covering the center-swelled, wood handle of gray sharkskin, possibly rayskin, in excellent tight condition with just normal slight scuffing in spots. Seam tight and visible. Double twisted brass / copper wire is wrapped tightly about the grooves in the handle and flanked with single strands of brass wire throughout the grips. Grips are in fine condition. Brass ‘Phrygian-style’ pommel cap is border-engraved in a floral pattern and exhibits a tiered cap. Grips are tight to the blade tang. Knucklebow is tight. Ornate quillon, never bent.

The smooth, dark steel scabbard is in very fine condition with a few minor dings; wears a rich, plum-brown patina, formerly original bluing. Has two brass ring mounts, brass bands and brass drag are adorned with mild edged decorative tooling. Brass throat collar, tight to the scabbard, is set with one small brass screw. No maker’s stamping visible. Upper band shows a partial presentation with jeweler-engraved initials “From / P J W / to / M W W”. A possible research project. Brass sword rings solidly attached. Both sword bands and the drag all have their small, brass setscrews. Drag slipper shows light to moderate edge wear with no cracks or splitting. All brass wears a pleasing mellow bronze patina.

A fine, original, handsome Model 1850 Staff and Field edged weapon.

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