Here, in very fine condition, is a presentation-grade, imported Model 1850 Staff Officer’s sword. The edged weapon and its matching metal scabbard was a presentation gift to Lieutenant Robert L. Carns by members of Company “K”, 88^th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Robert Carns enlisted in the army as a private in Philadelphia, PA on August 28, 1861 and was mustered into Co “K”, 88^th PA Volunteers that same day. Carns served with his company, known as the Cameron Light Guards, and gained a commission as 2^nd Lieutenant in the unit on April 17, 1862. The regiment was later engaged in the battles of South Mountain, MD; Thoroughfare Gap, 2^nd Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam and Fredericksburg, VA. The infantry regiment sustained heavy casualties at Second Bull Run. In the meantime, 2^nd Lieutenant Carns found himself promoted to 1^st Lieutenant on November 11, 1862. He participated in General Burnside’s “Mud March” and by the end of the 1862, was in winter quarters at Fletcher’s Chapel, VA. Lieut. Carns resigned his commission on February 2, 1863. Subsequent battles that the 88^th PA participated in were Chancellorsville, Gettysburg where it captured the colors of both the 16^th Alabama Infantry and the 26^th North Carolina Infantry regiments. Other battle engagements in which this combat regiment ‘saw the elephant’ included The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor and White Oak Swamp.

Lt. Carn’s edged weapon is a classic specimen of the type sword carried by most infantry staff officers and some artillery officers during the Civil War period. A finely crafted presentation piece, this sword was made by an unknown company and appears to be of European manufacture, either French or German. The steel sword blade is straight and true, with a stopped wide fuller 21¾” long and a narrow fuller some 13” long. Blade is in minty condition with the reverse and obverse side showing strong frosting and shiny bright decorative areas on both sides. Reverse side displays sharp and clean etching with the fuller fan at the hilt, progressing upward with a foliate band a panoply of arms, a fine “U.S.” in script and more foliate. Obverse etching is similar but with a spreadwinged eagle below a pennant that reads, “E Pluribus Unum”. Blade is unsharpened and blade back is marked “IRON PROOF” at the ricasso. Blade is mint with no rust or age discoloration at all but it has just two tiny edge nicks midway along the edge. The ornately embellished, yet handsome brass hilt reflects fine delicate casting in two stacked lines, one of which displays the script letters “US” prominently in the outer line surrounded by folliate.

Grips, which are in fabulous, strong condition, feature a carved, center swell wood handle wrapped in high-quality, fine-grade, dark gray sharkskin. Double-twist grip wire is wound around the handle with a single strand of brass wire that flanks the sides of the double twisted wire. Grips are very tight. Brass guard knucklebow and quillion are of the ornate design and well executed. The original, buff leather, blade washer or pad is still in excellent condition. The double-brimmed, Phrygian pommel cap is embellished at the edges with oak leaves and acorns.

Scabbard body is made of fine steel in very excellent condition, complete with highly ornate, brass mounts, heavily tooled and engraved brass bands, plain brass rings and a heavy brass ‘shoe’ drag with flared ends. Area between the upper and lower sword mounts on the reverse side of scabbard features the ID in fine script that reads, “Presented to / Lieut. R. Carns” / by the members of / Comp”K” 88^th Regt P.V. / Aug. 1862”. Both upper and lower mounts, which are strong and tight, offer a pleasing, mellow bronze patina, as does the brass ‘shoe’ drag. If you seek an identified, high-quality, original presentation M1850 Staff Officer’s sword, this wonderful specimen is for you.

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