This imported sword is the classic 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 as the regulation weapon for all medical officers of the United States Army for the next 62 years.  Most likely a private purchase by a Federal medical officer, this imported sword measures a total of 35” long and has a 30” long blade. In very good condition, this straight, double-edged, evenly tapered, diamond-shape blade exhibits a profusely decorated, floral design etching on both flats.  Blade exhibits a semi-bright scheen with very light rust oxidation mostly at the point. Reverse flat shows the spreadwinged eagle in the center flanked with floral designs and military motifs. Obverse flat same except for the letters “U.S.” in place of the eagle.

The ornate hilt is gilded with highly detailed cast brass and is in three parts; grip, pommel and guard.  Both sides of the grip are cast and show an embossed oval medallion with an American spreadwinged eagle. The guard consists of two graceful quillons decorated with leaf motifs, in addition to two shield devices, one of the obverse and another on the reverse side of the hilt.  The reverse shield is plain with raised borders while the obverse shield bears the letters “M S” (Medical Service) in old English script above sax 5-pointed stars all encircled with laurel leaves.  Pommel is pineapple-shaped and secures the tang of the blade.

The steel metal scabbard exhibits most of the original bluing on the entire piece but does show light rust pitting and moderate scratching.  Specimen has its decorative upper band 1½” from the throat and is highly decorated with geometric and floral designs.  This band retains two suspension rings at either side while 5” below this band is another longer band, similarly decorated with only one suspension ring.  Drag is decorated in high relief with standard oak leaf floral designs on both sides.  All brass on the sword and scabbard wears a mellow bronze patina overall.

In very good overall condition, this medical sword with its scabbard is a great collectible that would highlight any sword collection or medical grouping.