This imported Federal 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. The blade is typical of the Prussian imported swords and was made by the Gebruder Weyersberg firm in Solingen, Prussia. Likely a private purchase by the medical officer himself.

A long sword, it measures a total of 34½” from blade tip to pommel. The straight 28½” long, elliptical-shaped, evenly tapered blade is 5/8” wide at the hilt. The blade features a fine decorative floral design etching on both flats that has thinned with age and use. The ornate hilt is gilded with highly detailed cast brass and is in three parts… grip, pommel cap and guard. Both sides of the grip are molded and show a large oval medallion at the screw cap. Medallion face bears a raised American spreadwinged eagle holding arrows and a laurel branch in its talons. Opposite side medallion face holds the identification and reads "Wm. R. Dunton, A. A. Surgeon U.S.A." in script. Brass grips show evidence of old cleaning and some cleaner residue is still visible in some protected areas. Hilt and guard are loose on the blade tang, easily tightened.

Brass cast guard, also loose, consists of two graceful quillons highly decorated with oak leaf motifs, in addition to two large langets (shield devices) centered between the quillons. Obverse shield bears two, raised ¼” letters “M S” (Medical Service) in old English script above thirteen, small 5-pointed stars all encircled with laurel leaves. This portion of the shield device has been slightly bent upward approximately ¼” from its original position. Reverse shield face is plain with a smooth surface and raised borders. Pommel cap is pineapple-shaped and threaded to the blade tang. The undented, cast brass scabbard is highly decorative with symmetrical and floral highlights of gold gilt over the entire piece. Specimen has its upper band 2” from the throat and is decorated with geometric designs. Lower band and scabbard drag both decorated in high relief with standard oak leaf floral and geometric designs on the face. Each band bears a ¾” diameter, brass suspension ring. All brass on the sword and scabbard wears a darkened bronze patina overall.

William R. Dunton was born in Philadelphia in the early 1830's. He was appointed as a Contract Surgeon in the US Army on August 1, 1862 at the rate of $80 per month. He was assigned to work at the US Army Hospital in Germantown, PA, known as Cuyler Hospital. Accompanying the sword are copies of his record from the Archives that contains a copy of his contract and a glowing letter of recommendation. Also with the records is some internet research that includes his obituary, which shows that he was a member of the Ellis Post #6 of the GAR, and died in 1911.

This very good condition imported Civil War officer’s medical sword, complete with its metal scabbard, is a seldom seen commodity in the collecting field today and would highlight any medical display or add to edged weapon grouping.

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