This very nice Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword by Bent & Bush, Boston, Mass. It is a very fine example of the pattern.

The cast and brass hilt is loaded with original gilt and the blade remains in excellent condition. The hilt motifs are the typical military patterns. The pommel is cast with eagle and shield, pommel cap with leaf and berry design. The knuckle bow has a central flower with additional florals. The obverse counterguard has an American eagle superimposed on flags. The reverse counterguard features raised shield over flags and weapons. This piece is hinged and can fold down by depressing a spring button (which words well). Engraved on the underside of this guard is, “Presented to Lieut. J.H. Williams by the Officers and Enlisted Men of Co. I, 15th Mass. Infy. U.S.V. Jan. 1899. Camp Wetherill, S.C.” The grip is wrapped in dark shark skin. The double-twist of wire is present and tight.

The blade has strong etching on both sides. The reverse is etched at racasso: “Bent & Bush, Boston, Mass.” Both sides of the blade are etched with arms and with florals. A script “U.S.” is found on one side and the name “Lieut. J.H. Williams” on the other.

The scabbard is also in very good condition, with gilted steel body, throat, ring mounts, and drag. The gilt on the scabbard body has worn thin in areas.

James H. Williams from Northbridge, Massachusetts was a machinist when he enlisted on 5/25/1861 as a Sergeant in Company “H” of the 15^th Massachusetts Infantry. Wounded 5/15/1864, likely during the fighting around Spotsylvania Court House. He was Mustered Out on 7/28/1864 at Worcester, MA. A member of GAR Post # 168 (Malcolm Ammidon) in Southbridge, MA. After the war, he lived in Bolton, MA.

This is a very fine example of this type of dress sword.  [jet] [ph:L]

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