The most prolific officer’s sword maker and inspector to the US during the American Civil War was the firm of W. Clauberg of Solingen. They manufactured higher and presentation grade swords for the American market, especially Cavalry officer’s examples. The sword presented here is but just one example of the wide variety and different types of mounts and scabbards available to retail establishments.

This sword is an example of the gaudy appearance of high grade swords that were manufactured in 1863, 1864 and 1865, not the standard models of officer’s swords presented in 1861 and 1862.

Applied to the scabbard between the mounts is a silver plaque that reads, “Presented to Lt. J. L. Craft / by the non Commissioned Officer’s / of Co. F 1^st Penn^a Vet. Cav June 24^th 1865 / E. B. Holt, A. Snell, Lt. Fales / J. W. Rohrback, J.R. Cummings / W. H. Reese W J. Vanlear”.

John L. Craft (also spelled Croft) was born June 15, 1842. On August 27, 1861 he enlisted as a Private in Company E, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was described as being 6’ tall with brown eyes, light hair and a light complexion. Craft was present throughout the service of his regiment only being absent on detached service for a short time in February of 1864. He was steadily promoted during his service. He was made 8th Corporal on August 1, 1862 and 5th Sergeant on October 3, 1862. By November Craft had advanced to 4th Sergeant and by March of 1864 he was 3rd Sergeant and was 1st Sergeant in October of 64. He finally received a commission to 2nd Lieutenant by the end of 1864. In June of 1865 Craft was discharged on June 17, 1865 to accept a position as 1st Lieutenant in the 2nd Provisional Cavalry of Pennsylvania but the unit failed to muster before the end of the war. He was discharged on August 7, 1865.

During Croft’s service he took part in all of the regiment’s actions and was only wounded once at Petersburg on July 28, 1864. He was wounded in his left hand.

Nothing is known of his post-war life other than he returned to Centre County after the war, married and had two daughters. He died on February 23, 1925 and is buried in Advent Cemetery in Milesburg, Pennsylvania.

This Model 1850 Staff & Field Sword has a solid silver cast grip with a cast floral design on every other rib. The brass guard is of the larger eagle upside down with an upside down eagle quillon, an often seen design that was popular during this period. The guard is composed of intertwined oak leaf branches with the “US” also chiseled in high relief with etched stars. The upside down eagle quillon with a large beak without the bear is a Clauberg style. The pommel is made of brass covered overall in cast and chased designs with a round ball tightener. Unscrewed, the pommel cap is marked with number “6” and two dots. The same mark is found on the pommel end and on the blade obverse side of the ricasso. No Clauberg retailers mark is visible. Standard Clauberg buff leather washer is present.

The scabbard is silver plated with a brass throat with cast spiral design. The silver presentation plaque is soldered on. The top ring mount is cast and chased oak leaf and scroll design with matching lower mount. Brass drag with etched floral design. Obverse blade has standard etchings of military motifs with floral and scroll designs with “US”. Reverse side has military motifs with US flag, “US” and floral/scroll design.

Overall the sword is in very fine condition. Scabbard, hilt in excellent condition. Blade has a nice smooth surface with no rust or pitting. Some minor age spots to the blade. Etching on both sides is strong. A nice example of a Civil War sword presented right after the war ended.

Accompanied by military records from the National Archives. Soldier filed for a pension, but records were not found.   [ws]

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