This Model 1840 Medical Staff Officer’s sword was produced by the firm of Raymold & Whitlock of New York. This company was in business from 1881-1898 and was backed by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham for whom Raymold and Whitlock once worked.

The blade on this sword would be elliptical in cross-section as the wartime produced blades usually are. The blade is bright with some light scratches scattered throughout. The edges are free of nicks. The surface of the blade is decorated with gold etching of floral sprays surrounding the name “JOHN Q. ADAMS.” The reverse side has the same etched floral decorations but with a “US” and spread-winged eagle. This side also bears the maker’s name etched on the ricasso. The original leather washer still remains at the ricasso base.

The hilt is of gilded brass and consists of three pieces, the grip, pommel and guard. The grip is molded with an acorn and oak leaf motif. On the obverse side of the grip is an oval medallion bearing an American eagle while on the reverse this medallion is blank. The pommel cap is in the shape of a pineapple. The guard consists of two gracefully scrolled quillons decorated with a leaf design with two shields at center. The shield on the obverse is decorated with the letters “MS” above 11 stars. This decoration is cast as part of the shield and is NOT silver applied. The shield on the reverse is blank.

The scabbard is blued with two brass mounts and drag. The brass throat is missing. The mounts bear a geometric and floral design. The upper mount has two suspension rings while the lower has one. The drag is decorated with a long single branch of oak leaves. The bluing on the scabbard is in excellent condition with no scratches and the scabbard has no dents.

John Quincy Adams (carried on some rosters as John D. Adams) was commissioned Surgeon of the 172^nd New York aka… The Yonkers Regiment, on September 18, 1862. At the time he was 34 years old. The regiment never completed recruiting and the men were transferred to the 6^th New York Heavy Artillery on November 20, 1862. Adams was not commissioned in the 6^th. He is later listed under US Volunteers Staff from New York as a Assistant Surgeon with the rank of 1^st Lieutenant on February 27, 1863 and was mustered out on October 9, 1865. He was promoted Major by Brevet on March 13, 1865.

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