This original Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword, complete with original sharkskin scabbard. Blade was imported and assembled by Horstmann of Philadelphia, PA and carried by many Federal officers during the Civil War.

The quality steel edged weapon measures a total length of almost 36” from tip to pommel. The fine looking steel blade is 30 ¼” long and carries a 12 ½” narrow fuller and a 21 ½” 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 red washer. Obverse ricasso exhibits “W. H. / HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA” etching. Both blade flats have detailed etching on a smooth, bright blade overall. Obverse flat of blade is profuse with foliate, a spreadwinged eagle, pennant with “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, and more foliate to within 14” of the tip. Reverse flat starts with a panoply of arms, a foliate design, then the letters “US” followed with more decorative foliate. Numerous 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 and ornate quillon. Covering the wood handle is gray sharkskin 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 pommel cap has a cast floral pattern border. Grips are tight to the blade tang. Knucklebow has only the slightest wobble.

The sharkskin scabbard is in very good condition. Has two brass ring mounts, brass bands and brass drag. Brass throat collar, tight to the scabbard, is set with one small brass screw. No maker’s stamping visible. Brass sword rings solidly attached. Both sword bands and the drag all have their small, brass setscrews. Drag slipper shows no edge wear. Brass wears a pleasing mellow patina while the drag has a few dark splotches. Sharkskin is in excellent condition with tight seams.

A fine, original, handsome Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword with very nice sharkskin scabbard.   [jet]

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