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IDENTIFIED, NON-REGULATION, FIELD & STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD / SCABBARD OF LIEUTENANT THOMAS HAY, JR, 44TH WISCONSIN INFANTRY

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This imported Field & Staff officer’s sword & scabbard is in fine condition. During the Civil War, this French-made, non-regulation edged weapon was carried by combat veteran 2Lt Thomas Hay of the 44^th Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Hay was a twenty-two-year-old dentist from Franklin, Wisconsin when he first enlisted as a corporal in Co H, 22^nd Wisconsin Vol. Infantry regiment on September 1, 1862. In March 1863, Corporal Hay was captured in action at Brentwood, TN by southern cavalry leader Nathan B. Forrest and was soon confined at Libby Prison at Richmond, VA on Apr 8, 1863. He was paroled the next day at City Point and in May was sent back to his regiment. Hay subsequently fought with the 22^nd at Resaca, GA (May 64), Kennesaw Mtn, GA (Jun 64) and also at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek at Atlanta, GA (July 64).

On Sep 13, 1864 at Madison, WI, Hay transferred into Co A, 44^th Wisconsin Vol. Infantry to take as commission as an officer (2Lt) and left for the front on Oct 10, 1864. Hay’s sword / scabbard set was presented to him by a family member or friend at that time. The 44^th was assigned to Nashville and spent its entire duty there. During the battel of Nashville, Hay with the 44^th was in the trenches of Fort Negley and also pulled special duty guarding the railroad bridge at Nashville against Bedford Forrest’s cavalry. Lt Hay survived the war and mustered out of service on August 28, 1865 at Paducah, KY. Thomas Hay returned home, married, and relocated to Newark, New Jersey where he raised a family. Hay died on Jun 21, 1879 after a losing six year battle with the government for his pension. Later, his brother interceded and was successful for the former Union officer whose family was granted a pension.

Complete in every regard, Hay’s handsome field & staff officer’s sword was a product of the state-owned Klingenthal Armory of Alsace, France. Klingenthal produced high-quality edged weapons for both private purchase and governmental contracts. The fine workmanship exhibited on all of its blades especially the officers’ blades was equal to that of the any European sword maker of the time. This handsome infantry officer’s edged weapon has a slight curve to it and is in strong veteran condition. Manufactured from high-grade steel, the single-edged blade measures 30½” long, is 1” wide, and has a single, unstopped fuller 23” long with an integrated 15” long narrow fuller. On the flats of the blade, starting right above the reverse ricasso is a beautifully acid-etched with leaves, scroll and military design that extends for almost 9” and shows the letters “U S” on the blade. Obverse ricasso is etched with a large spreadwinged eagle and the words “E. PLURIBUS UNUM” in block letters. Obverse ricasso also shows two, small, oval armory inspector stamps located above the leather pad or washer. Ornately etched blade back bears the maker’s inscription of “Manuf Klingenthal Cavalour”. Entire blade, with its acid-etched decoration, has been lightly cleaned at one time. It now exhibits a pleasing, dusky gray patina with a light, salt & pepper coloring. Just slight oxidation and pinprick rust in few areas. Blade edge bears very miner nicks in spots. Blade does show use.

The finely cast, large American eagle brass guard / hilt displays a detailed, non-regulation Eagle and Medallion style guard with an integral, highly detailed French hilt top strap. The intricately cast face of the large Eagle / Medallion guard displays the eagle on a shield device, a pennant with seven stars, oak leaf scrolls, acanthus leaves, and flows into a multi-cutout decorative branch that terminates into a strong knucklebow. Brass hilt is strong and slightly loose on the blade tang. It exhibits a very fine, mellow bronze patina that has not been cleaned. Original leather washer is tight and intact. Original grips are in very good condition and consist of a center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in high quality, light-colored rayskin with double-twist brass wire bound around the handle. Rayskin is in very good condition with the brass wire very tight. Some very light scuffing to the nodules. The brass, Phrygian-style pommel cap boasts ornate scrollwork and features a decorated domed cap. Casting on the hilt and pommel is crisp and well executed.

The sword’s all-brass scabbard is an original specimen in excellent, strong original condition. Accoutrement retains all its brass furniture, including the highly intricate decorated upper and lower brass bands, rings, mounts, and drag, all tight and secure. Upper brass band of the scabbard displays a beautifully executed inscription that reads “Presented to / Tho. Hay / Oct 1^st 1864”. Each of the brass bands supports a single sword mount fitted with a plain brass ring. Rings also secure the ornate brass drops that were once part of the leather sword straps, now missing. All brass body appears to have been cleaned at one time but wears a rich bronze patina. Both bands and mounts are tight. Scabbard retains two small attachment screws at the upper band and at the drag. Brass drag is highly ornate with a raised floral motif decoration. No dents.

Accompanying this identified sword and scabbard are the official records from the National Archives in Washington, DC. This identified, non-regulation M1850-foot officer’s sword with its original scabbard and outstanding provenance of the soldier who carried it is a beautiful and historic example of a high quality, edged weapon. Any presentation sword and scabbard would make a great addition to any Civil War collection. This specimen would certainly enhance any Wisconsin-focused military display.   [ra]

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