Original Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s sword complete with original metal scabbard in pristine condition.

The drawn sword measures a total length of 37.50 inches from point to pommel.  The steel blade is 31.50 inches long with a 20.00 inch narrow fuller and a 22.50 inch wide stopped fuller. The mirror-like blade surface is wonderfully clean and bright throughout with no mottling. The true edge is free of nicks and very clean. Both ricassos are blank.

The blade surface is embellished via the acid etching process. The etching is outstanding in its quality and appearance. It begins on the obverse side of the blade just above the ricasso with a crosshatched design followed by a knight’s helmet and laurel branch topped by a crossed US and Massachusetts state flags and a block “U.S.” Above this is a crossed orb in a sunburst followed by a patriotic shield with a spread-winged eagle perched at top holding an “E PLURIBUS UNUM” riband in his beak. This is topped by foliate with shield and spear and crossed flags ending with scrollwork and foliate.  The reverse etching also begins just above the ricasso with crosshatching followed by linear decoration. Above this is etched the maker’s name “C. ROBY & CO. / W. CHELMSFORD / MASS.” Above the maker’s name is a knight’s helmet and laurel branch followed by crossed US and Massachusetts state flags. Above the flags is the presentation that reads “CAPT. D. P. ABERCROMBIE FROM THE HIGHLAND CADETS OCTOBER 16^TH 1861” This presentation is flanked by vines and flowers. The etching on this side ends with a scroll made of flowers. Enough cannot be said about the impressive beauty and intricate detail of the etching. This blade has to be among one of the best conditioned blades we have seen.

The highly detailed hilt has a two-line, cutout brass guard cast as one piece with the knucklebow.  The upper line of the brass hilt features prominent letters “US” surrounded by finely case foliate. Bottom line has an intricate, foliate cutout design. Quillon is the standard scroll. The grip is covered in gray shark or ray skin with several courses of twisted bullion wire outlined with straight plain brass wire. Grip shows very little wear. Wire is very good but has slight wiggle room due to shrinkage of the wood grip over time. Phrygian pommel cap is border-engraved with an oak leave floral pattern and scrolling along the crown. Knucklebow and guard are tight.

The very fine, smooth undented steel scabbard has been finished brown. The throat mounts and drag are of brass. Throat is decorated all the way around with a delicate linear border on both edges while the mounts have oval geometric designs. The drag has a wave pattern along its edge running toward the center.

Daniel Putnam Abercrombie was born in Lunenberg, Massachusetts on January 25, 1844 and was a descendent of Revolutionary War hero General Israel Putnam. He attended the Highland School in Worcester before enrolling in the Harvard Class of 1866.

Interestingly, a memorandum appears in the papers of President Abraham Lincoln which reads “VERY HIGH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DANIEL P. ABERCROMBIE TO BE A CADET. MR. (CHARLES R.) TRAIN OF MASS. INTODUCES THE BOY & MOTHER, THE LATTER BEING VERY ANXIOUS FOR THE APPOINTMENT.” However, no record exists of Abercrombie being appointed to West Point.

At Harvard, Abercrombie was a member of the famous “Hasty Pudding Club” and was said to be a “diligent student, but was particularly distinguished for his work in baseball. He was a member of the first Nine ever organized at Harvard and played center field in both his Class and College Nines with marked ability and success.” He played in every game up till the time he earned his degree.

In 1876 Abercrombie became cashier of the Crocker National Bank and in 1915 was made president. He died at his home in Turner, Massachusetts on December 20, 1919 and is buried in Springdale Cemetery in Montague, Massachusetts.

The Highland Cadets, who presented this sword to Abercrombie as their Captain, was the student Corps of the Highland Military Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school opened in 1852 and among its ranks were many who served as officers in Massachusetts regiments during the Civil War. Abercrombie being elected their Captain shows in what high regard and esteem his character, knowledge and ability were held by his classmates.

A small file of research comes with the item.  [ad]

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