IMPORTED CIVIL WAR MEDICAL OFFICER’S SWORD & MATCHING BRASS SCABBARD ID’D TO 42ND ILLINOIS SURGEON

$1,850.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 836-34

This imported US Medical Officer’s edged weapon is a Civil War style specimen that the Surgeon General and U.S. Medical Department designated as the Medical Staff Sword.  Adopted in 1840 and officially known as the Model 1840, this style medical staff sword remained the regulation weapon for all United States Army medical officers for the next sixty-two years.

Though no maker’s mark is visible, this double-edged blade is typical of the imported swords. Item measures a total of 34.25 inches from blade tip to pommel.  The straight 28.25 inch long, elliptical-shaped, evenly tapered blade is 0.75 of an inch wide at the hilt. The blade features lightly decorative floral design etching on both flats that has thinned with age and use.  Centered on the obverse flat is a flowing script engraving of “UNITED STATES MEDICAL STAFF” flanked by small sunburst patterns. Reverse blade flat shows a spread-winged eagle with a pennant in its beak that reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.  Reverse ricasso has a standing figure surrounded by “CLAUBURG.” Both edges of the blade look good but running the finger along each reveals very small imperfections.

The ornate hilt is of highly detailed cast brass and is in three parts… grip, cap stand and guard.  Both sides of the grip are molded and show a large oval medallion. Medallion face bears a raised American spreadwinged eagle holding arrows and a laurel branch in its talons. Opposite side medallion face is blank.  Hilt is tight.  Brass cast guard consists of two graceful quillons highly decorated with oak leaf motifs, in addition to two large shield shaped ears centered between the quillons. Obverse shield bears two, raised 0.25 inch letters “M S” (Medical Service) in old English script above thirteen, small 5-pointed stars all encircled with laurel leaves.  Reverse shield face is inscribed “PRESENTED TO DR. Z.P. HANSON BY THE OFFICERS OF THE 42ND ILLINOIS INFANTRY.”  Cap stand is finial-shaped and threaded to the blade tang.

The cast brass scabbard shows moderate to heavy wear with several dings and dents consistent with use. There is what could be a period repair below the second mount. Both the scabbard and hilt have been heavily cleaned.

Scabbard has its upper mount 1.50 inches from the throat and is decorated with geometric designs. Lower mount has high relief oak leaf floral and geometric designs on the face. Drag is a replacement and is of plain brass.   Top mount has two brass suspension rings while the lower mount has one.

Zenas Payne Hanson was born in Buxton Center, Maine on February 5, 1833. He was a 29 year old physician living in Joliet, Illinois when he was appointed Hospital Steward of the 42nd Illinois Infantry on April 1, 1862. At the time of his enlistment Hanson was described as being 5’ 11” tall with light complexion and eyes with dark hair.

Hanson was appointed Assistant Surgeon on July 1, 1862 and Surgeon on May 28. 1863. During his service the 42nd saw action at Farmington, Columbia, Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Pine Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville. Dr. Hanson was discharged at Springfield Illinois on January 12, 1866.

After the war he moved with his wife and family to Chicago where he was a member of the George H. Thomas Post #5 of the GAR. He died in Buxton Center, Maine on August 18, 1921 and is buried there in Woodlawn Cemetery.

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