This original Model 1860 Staff and Field officer’s sword was imported by the Bent and Bush Company of Boston, Massachusetts. The staff sword specimen is in extremely fine condition and bears a presentation on the right flat that reads “Col. Frank Harris” with “From his friend Col. S. M. Hedges 1892” on the left flat.  No research done on the individual as yet. 

Blade, designed for ceremonial events, is light and frail and was adopted for officers who would rarely be called on to use this weapon in action. The straight steel blade is 30” long and has a diamond shaped cross section. Blade is neatly embellished with acid etching for 15” upward from the ricasso with scrollwork and the presentation on both sides of the blade. Blade reverse bears the retailer’s name etched upon the blade with “BENT / & BUSH / BOSTON / MASS”. Blade has been lightly cleaned and wears a shiny bright sheen overall.  Has some scattered age discoloration spots and pinprick rust pitting mostly near the blade tip. 

The very handsome, tight grip is sharkskin wrapped and wound with brass double-twisted wire.  At both ends of the grip are brass ferrules with fine cast tooled designs.  Brass pommel is decorated with an eagle on the obverse and a small shield on the reverse. Pommel cap is decorated with a leaf design.  Pommel and knucklebow are tight on the grips. Knucklebow is flattened brass decorated with scrollwork that flows into a ornate, kidney-shaped, double clamshell counter-guard. The reverse guard has the hinged fold down feature for when the sword was worn. Small spring loaded push button on the hilt works fine. Hinged guard is plain and unadorned.  

The handsome, undented steel scabbard wears a shiny bright smooth finish patina and is adorned with two gilded brass mounts, a brass drag, and a plain brass throat. Each of the brass mounts exhibits an intricate floral display.   Upper mount has two brass rings attached while lower mount bears one brass ring. Both sword mounts and the drag are tight.  Scabbard throat is stamped with “24”.  In excellent condition, this style Model 1860 Staff and Field sword is a fine, presentation example carried by officers between 1860 and the early 1900s.