Still known by some collectors as the “Peterson 75” from the figure number in the classic “American Sword,” this imported in some quantity and liked by many officers as a field sword for its robust steel scabbard. Modeled on the British Pattern 1827 sword for rifle officers, the hilts and scabbard mounts show up in iron or, like this, in brass. These are usually German made, and this one is clearly marked “ W Clauberg / Solingen” around the firm’s trademark standing knight on the reverse ricasso.

The pommel has button capstan and grooved top, channeled base, and smooth backstrap terminating at a channeled finial next to the guard. The grip is sharkskin with triple wire binding. As is common in the pattern, the “gothic” hilt with scrolls and arches replaces the cut-out British hunting horn with an eagle with spread wings, clutching arrows and olive branch, over an openwork “U.S.,” and with an E Pluribus Unum banner overhead. The engraved details include the U.S. motto, details of the wing feathers, and a simply rendered U.S. shield on the eagle’s chest.

The leather blade pad is in place under the guard. The blade is slightly curved, with single edge and spear point. Both sides are etched. The obverse has a stand of arms at bottom with flags and a U.S. shield, floral scrolls, and an eagle with wide, outstretched wings and an “E PLURIBUS UNUM” ribbon running overhead in the narrow secondary fuller running along the upper edge, followed by more scrolls, vines and some stylized geometric motifs. The reverse has a stand of arms and flags at the bottom, floral scrolls that include a small five-pointed star, and a large script “U.S.”

The scabbard preserves a very pretty, smooth finish, showing original blue turning plum brown, with no dents and just some light scattered freckling. The mounts are brass with strong gilt remaining in the recesses. They are deeply cast and chased with floral motifs on the screw-fastened throat and two ring bands that include oakleaves and acorns. The throat shows has a simple floral band on the reverse and an open work scrolling and fans on the obverse. The drag is a “shoe” mount, the edges of which feature deeply cast, chased, and gilt curling acanthus leaves, with a sunburst at center bottom on one side and a U.S. shield on the other.

This is a high quality sword in very good condition. The blade etching is very visible. The scabbard body, brass mounts and hilt have good color. The hilt shows is medium in tone from handling but matches the mounts well. It is a very nice example of a popular U.S. officer’s sword for field use: even Phil Sheridan carried one. The brass mounts bring it up several notches and it would look great with some vibrant embroidered officer’s insignia or a belt rig in very good condition.  [sr] [ph:L]

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