Produced by the Prussian firm of W. Clauberg of Solingen, Prussia (Germany), this imported, non-regulation staff officer’s sword was assembled by New York retailer Schuyler, Hartley & Graham and used in the American Civil War.  Sword & scabbard are complete and in very good condition. This good-looking sword is a non-regulation specimen of the British Pattern 1827 steel hilt with characteristics from the Pattern 1854 British hilt. It has the wide rolled quillon, American spread-winged eagle in the guard over cutout letters ‘U S’, and the steel backstrap with center ears on the grips.

Handsome blade has a slight curve and is in very good condition with minimal engraving. Centered on the blade’s obverse flat is a short pattern of engraving that exhibits the American spread-winged eagle flanked with minimal decoration.  Remainder of the flat is plain except for the ricasso that bears the retailer’s name “SCHUYLER HARTLEY & GRAHAM / NEW YORK” stamped on the ricasso. Also centered within the maker’s name is the maker’s circular brass ‘PROVED’ disc.  Reverse flat bears the script letters “U.S” also flanked by decorative etching.  Rest of blade is free of etching except for the ricasso that shows the maker’s stamp “W. CLAUBERG / SOLINGEN” within a large oval. Engraving clear but thin in areas from use. Manufactured from high-grade steel, the single-edged, diamond-point blade measures 32½” long, is 1” wide, and has a single, stopped fuller 19¼” long with no narrow fuller. Blade exhibits a pleasing light gray scheen overall with some light patches of dark oxidation. Blade edge near the point shows three of four small edge nicks. Blade back is stamped with “IRON PROOF’.

The large steel hilt / guard features a scroll-like cutout display that flows into a decorative cutout branch that terminates into a wide strong knucklebow. Hilt is strong and tight and has not been cleaned and exhibits a dark plum patina. Has original leather washer.   Grips are in very good condition and consist of a straight wooden handle wrapped in high quality, dark-colored sharkskin with double-twist silver wire bound around the handle.    Silver wire mostly tight save for one strand loose. The steel top strap has ears on the grips. Scabbard is complete including flared throat, upper and lower brass bands, mounts, and drag which are all tight and secure.  Dent-free scabbard exhibits a dark plum-brown surface with scattered areas of rust pitting overall. Retains only one of its small attachment screws at the throat. Appears not to have been cleaned.

This M1850 staff officer’s sword and original scabbard by Clauberg, assembled by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York, is a nice veteran example of a non-regulation Civil War officer’s sword.