Here is a Prussian, non-regulation foot officer's edged weapon imported, assembled and marked by W. Horstmann of Philadelphia. Complete in every regard, this handsome sword & scabbard specimen is of the British pattern of 1822. Sword is fresh to the collecting fraternity and is an excellent condition. Used in the American Civil War, the sword blade appears to be a product of the W. Clauberg manufacturing firm of Solingen, Prussia (Germany) which was imported by retailer W. Horstmann for sale to the military. Clauberg produced high-quality edged weapons for both private purchase and governmental contracts. The fine workmanship exhibited on all of its blades especially the officers' blades was equal to that of the any European sword maker of the time.

This edged weapon has a slight curve to it and is in wonderful strong condition. Manufactured from high-grade steel, the single-edged blade measures 32 long, is 1" wide with a stopped fuller 22½" long with an integrated 15" long narrow fuller. Reverse ricasso is plain with a beautifully etched motif of military design starting right above the ricasso and including cannon, flags, lances and drums that extends for 17" on the blade. Obverse ricasso shows the blade marking of "W. HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA" in etched block letters just above the small circular brass 'proof' disc. Disc is partially covered with the original red velvet washer or pad. On the flat starting right above the ricasso is a beautifully etched motif of military accoutrements. including cannon, flags, lances and drums that extend for 17" on the blade. Rounded blade back bears the inscription of "IRON PROOF". The blade, with its acid-etched decoration, is still bright and shiny but does exhibits areas of light pitting and oxidation. No nicks found on the blade edge. Obverse flat exhibits a finely detailed spreadwinged eagle clutching an oak leaf vine and pennant with "E PLURIBUS ENUM" in his beak. Reverse flat bears intricate floral etchings that flank the large script letters "US". Entire blade presents a fine, pleasing, used but not abused condition.

The large iron hilt / guard features a semi-decorative, two-branch iron guard and backstrap that terminates into a robust knucklebow. Hilt is strong and tight and exhibits a dark patina as well as light rust pitting that has not been cleaned. Large original read velvet washer is tight and intact. Original sharkskin covered grips are in excellent condition and consist of a straight wooden handle wrapped in high quality, dark-colored rayskin with double-twist brass wire bound around the handle and each turn flanked by single strand brass wire. Dark rayskin is in excellent condition with the brass wire tight. The sword's imported metal scabbard is an original specimen in strong, undecorated condition. Accoutrement retains a pleasing dark plum brown coloring and is complete with throat, upper and lower brass bands, mounts, and drag, all tight and secure. Scabbard exhibits a smooth hard surface that is free of dents but does show scattered dark spots of light to moderate rust oxidation. Both bands, mounts and drag are tight. Scabbard retains its two small attachment screws at the throat. This fine, fresh, non-regulation foot officer's sword with its original scabbard is a wonderful historic example of an imported high quality, edged weapon.

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