MODEL 1860 FIELD & STAFF OFFICERS SWORD WITH PRESENTATION DATED 1872

$495.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 172-3431

This sword is in the Model 1860 Field and Staff Officer’s sword. It is identified to Lieutenant Theodore P. Wilson of Company K, 1st Massachusetts Militia.

The blade is double edged and diamond shaped in cross-section. Both edges are free of nicks and dents. Neither the obverse nor the reverse surfaces are etched.

The un-etched parts of the blade are semi-bright. The lower portion of the blade has a moderate to heavy pitted area that meas. approx. 4.50 inches in length. This is found on both sides of the blade. The ricasso is not etched therefore there is no maker’s mark. The leather washer is also missing from this area.

The hilt of the sword is in good condition. It shows almost light wear with a light patina to the brass surfaces. The round pommel cap is surmounted by a flower while the sides have a very crisp, sharp raised spread-winged eagle and a scrolled shield. The grip is sharkskin wrapped in twisted wire. All is in excellent shape. The grip has carved brass ferrules at top and bottom. The single knuckle bow begins at the base of the pommel cap and comes around to the base of the grip where it widens into two clamshell counterguards, one of which folds down, before ending in a circular quillon. The knuckle bow is decorated at top with a heavy scroll design as well as a hole for accepting a sword knot. The center of the bow is decorated with a raised floral design with geometric shapes extending from each side of the flower. The counterguard that folds down is plain. The opposite guard is heavily decorated with a raised patriotic motif of a spread-winged eagle over panoply of flags in a wreath of laurel leaves.

The metal scabbard is nickel plated and is complete with the brass throat, two ring mounts and drag. Each mount has a single ring and is decorated with an oak leaf design. The drag is plain. Approx. 80% of the nickel plate remains with scattered wear heavier near the throat and between the mounts on one side. Between the mounts on the side opposite the wear described above is an inscription that reads “PRESENTED TO LIEUT. THEO. P. WILSON, BY CO. K 1ST REGT FEB. 19, 1872.” There is some light plate loss in this area but the presentation is clearly readable.

The only information on Lt. Wilson comes from the register of the Massachusetts Adjutant General. He was born in Boston and from August of 1867 he was a member of Company K, 1st Massachusetts Militia serving as Private, Corporal and Sergeant before being commissioned a 1st Lieutenant on December 10, 1872. More research is needed to flesh out Lt. Wilson’s story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

Inquire About MODEL 1860 FIELD & STAFF OFFICERS SWORD WITH PRESENTATION DATED 1872

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

12-POUNDER NAPOLEON PENDULUM HAUSSE CANNON SIGHT

This is an essential piece of artillery gear for crews manning the classic Civil War field-piece, the Model 1857 12-Pounder Napoleon. The pendulum hausse rear sight was the often-used replacement for the tangent scale rear sight that needed the… (1231-02). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

28
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram