This remarkable relic was projectile struck on an un-named Civil War battlefield. There is no maker's name on this German import. The fine condition blade measures 31 inches in length and 1 1/8 inch in width at the ricasso. The blade remains ding-free with areas of surface rust and age browning near tip. An eagle is etched on obverse side amid motifs of drums, flags and floral sprays this runs down the blade for 18 inches. There is a large "US" etched on the reverse of the blade.  The reverse blade features an attractive panel of floral spray and military trophies. The hilt with its floral brass-work exhibits a medium to heavy plum brown patina. The grips are ray skin and 90% intact. They are wrapped with untwisted and twisted wire in sets of three. The black leather scabbard is complete with all stitching intact. There is age cracking to the surface with small worn spots here and there. The scabbard has the customary 3 brass mounts and 2 carrying rings. The chape shows dents from hard use on campaign. The 3 mountings are firmly in place.

THE WOUND. The hilt of the sword was struck from above by a projectile that carried away most of the knuckle bow. It then caused the remaining bottom part of the hand guard to bend at an almost 90% (badly deformed and to a shredded) angle. As a result of this concussion 10% of the ray skin covered wooden grip where it meets the guard was lost (blown out) and the wrapping wire at this spot is now deformed but intact. The loss of this grip portion and the leather washer between the blade and the hilt have caused the sword's remaining brass hilt portion to be loose. If this strike did not wound or kill the wearer it certainly scared the heck out of him!  If you want a sword that was there and carried from the battlefield as a morbid or sad curiosity this is a great museum quality example.   [pe] [ph:L]

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