Here, in good condition, is an original, American-made presentation Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword complete with its matching iron scabbard. This edged weapon was a presentation gift to Lieutenant Nathan A. Belden by his friends in Hartford, Connecticut.

The acid-etched sword blade is a product of the renowned edged tool firm of Collins & Company of Collinsville, Connecticut. Collins sword blades, such as this specimen, are found on a number of weapons made by different assemblers and retailers during the Civil War.   Belden’s sword is straight and measures a total length of 36.25 inches long including the grips.   The 30.75 inch long steel blade exhibits a stopped wide fuller some 20.75 inches long with a 15.25 inch long narrow fuller. Blade is in good condition with both the reverse and obverse flats showing decorative etching. Progressing upward from the reverse ricasso, the sword flat exhibits a very strong and clear address stamping of “COLLINS & CO. / HARTFORD / CONN.” followed with ornate foliate etching with a block “U.S.” and panoply of flags followed by more foliate. The obverse ricasso is dated “1861” while the blade etching exhibits extensive foliate, a spreadwinged eagle and additional decorative foliate. The blade displays a pleasing, mellow gray sheen overall with no rust pitting and only the lightest mottling. Blade edge has several small nicks. The original leather washer is present at the base of the ricasso.

The ornate, cast brass hilt is typical of that found on a Model 1850 foot officer’s sword and displays a single knucklebow and counterguard with cutout scroll and floral decoration. The one piece knucklebow and counterguard wiggles a bit. Brass pommel exhibits a domed cap with a cast oak leaf design along the edges. All brass has acquired a dark bronze patina overall.  Grips are in wonderful condition and feature a sharkskin-covered wooden handle secured with fine double-twisted wire which is tightly wound around the handle. Brass wire is tight. Engraved on top of the counterguard is “LIEUT. N. A. BELDEN/FROM HIS FRIENDS IN HARTFORD.” This is engraving is nicely done with linear decoration and different sized letters used for Belden’s name and “HARTFORD.”

The iron scabbard is semi-bright with plain brass throat, mounts, rings and drag. The scabbard body has some minor dents above the drag and on the drag itself but these are consistent with age and use. The iron surface has moderate mottling and light scattered pitting throughout.

Nathan A. Belden was born in New London, Connecticut. On August 3, 1862 he was commissioned a 1^st Lieutenant in Company A, 21^st Connecticut Infantry. At the time he was 23 years old and working as bookkeeper in Hartford. He is described as being 5’ 10” tall with black eyes, dark hair and a fair complexion.

The 21^st Connecticut was assigned to the 9^th Corps and later the 18^th Corps. The regiment saw its first action at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. In January of 1863 Lieutenant Belden was promoted to Captain of Company A. He was present with his Company throughout 1863 being mentioned in the Official Records for gallant service at the Siege of Suffolk, Virginia in May of that year.

All went well for Captain Belden until May 16, 1864. On that day his regiment was involved in the fighting at Drewry’s Bluff. Captain Belden was ordered to take his company out on the skirmish line which he did. At some point during the fighting he realized he had become intoxicated by a small amount of liquor he had drunk and turned command of the Company over to Lieutenant Hubbell. Captain Belden remained on the field with his Company acting in a subordinate position until the fighting ended.

At his Court Martial the following July it was stated by Lt. Hubbell that Captain Belden seemed fine while going out on the skirmish line. After 20 minutes the Company was pushed back and Lt. Hubbell noticed Captain Belden missing. He was discovered by Lieutenant Hubbell wandering back to the works from the skirmish line. It was at this point that Hubbell noticed Belden was intoxicated. It was also here that Belden surrendered the command of his Company. Belden offered no defense at his Court-Martial and explained that due to lack of sleep and proper food he had taken a small amount of liquor which affected him more than he expected. The court found Belden guilty of being drunk in the presence of the enemy and cashiered him from the service.

Nothing definite is known about Nathan Belden’s life after the war. It is assumed he returned to Hartford and his position in the insurance business.

The sword offered here shows all the signs of being Belden’s everyday work sword and was with little doubt attached to his hip on that fateful day at Drewry’s Bluff.

Full military and Court-Martial records come with the sword as well as a reproduction photograph of Belden in uniform.

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