This imported presentation grade Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s sword is identified to Captain Joshua Pike of Company G, 134th Illinois Infantry. The sword is in nice used condition and was no doubt carried during his service.

The blade is semi-bright with light to moderate mottling scattered throughout. The edge is clean and free of nicks. Both sides of the blade have a stopped fuller that begins at the top of the ricasso and runs down the center of the blade stopping approx. 9.25 inches from the point. A thinner, secondary fuller runs below the false edge starting approx. 6.50 inches from the ricasso and stops approx. 10.25 inches from the point. The blade is devoid of any etching. One side of the ricasso is marked with a recessed brass disc stamped “PROOF” in an oak wreath. The leather washer at the base of the ricasso is gone.

The hilt is in excellent condition. The grip has an excellent German silver body that is wrapped with 13 courses of a twisted brass wire outlined on each side with straight wire. All the wire is in place and tight. The pommel cap is very ornate with a deeply carved oak leaf pattern on its face and sides with a US shield at center of the base. The knuckle bow and counterguard also have deep intricate floral and oak leaf designs with a “US” worked into the decoration of the guard. All the brass on the hilt has a nice light patina.

The blued metal scabbard is in good used condition. The surface shows light to moderate wear throughout with definite signs of use. Both brass mounts have a chased border on one side with an engraved diamond and floral design on the other. Both mounts have their rings with the top one showing the most wear. Both mounts also have a light rich patina to match the hilt. The top mount has a wonderful engraved presentation that reads “PRESENTED TO CAPT. J. PIKE CO.G. 134TH REGT. ILL. VOLS. BY HIS FELLOW STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO JUNE 1, 1864.” The drag is wonderfully decorated on one side with a spread-winged eagle a US shield and the letters “US” between two chevrons. The drag has a patina that is a little darker than that found on the mounts and hilt. The drag also has a small dent on one side and two similar dents on the other.

Joshua Pike was born February 20, 1840 in West Jefferson, Ohio. He was in his junior year at the University of Chicago when he left his studies to be commissioned a Captain in Company G, 134th Illinois on May 31, 1864. The Company contained many of his fellow students from the University. The 134th Illinois enlisted for 100 days service during which time the regiment was sent to Columbus, Kentucky where it did garrison duty. Captain Pike was mustered out with his regiment in Chicago on October 25, 1864.

After his service Pike returned to school and finished his education. He was appointed Superintendent of Schools in Jerseyville, Illinois in 1874 and held that position till his death on January 14, 1915. He was also a member of the local GAR. Inscribed on his tombstone in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, Illinois is:

“THIS MONUMENT THE GIFT OF FORMER STUDENTS MARKS THE GRAVE OF JOSHUA PIKE… SOLDIER-SCHOLAR-EDUCATOR-CREATOR OF A SCHOOL SYSTEM-SUPERINTENDENT OF JERSEYVILLE SCHOOLS FOR FORTY-ONE YEARS. INSPIRIED NOBLY HE LIVED NOBLY MOULDING THE CHARACTER OF HUNDREDS AND FOLLOWING WITH LOVING INTEREST EVEN TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH THE LIVES OF HIS BOYS AND GIRLS.”

This is an excellent memento of an accomplished Union officer. Pension records and some small amounts of research come with the item.

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