This is an interesting old relic from a local G.A.R. veterans’ post.

This was the standard weapon of the Prussian cavalry in 1813-14. The Prussian Hussars as well as the Dragoons and the gunners of the Horse Artillery were equipped with these, and no doubt many were shipped to the states during the Civil War. These became known as "the Blucher sword," named for the popular German Field marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher following the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. These swords were also used during the final phase on the battlefield of Waterloo in 1815.

This relic sword is rusty and pitted, and obviously a field “pick-up.” It features a nice curved and fullered heavy blade. Broken or shortened blade now measures approximately 23” long and 1.5” wide at ricasso. Heavier rust and pitting near the end. The quillion and lower portion of the guard remain, but the single branch of the knuckle bow is also broken off and missing. The iron backstrap with side tabs that sat atop the wood grip remains. Rusty but stable relic that was once part of the collection in the Miller G.A.R. Post #551 in York Springs, PA.

The Miller Post had been chartered July 2, 1887, and was active until disbanded sometime between 1919 and 1924, with its relics left in the hands of David Starry, likely its youngest member, but also its post adjutant and the post commander in 1919 at least, at which time the post was down to just seven “comrades.” These remained in the hands of the Starry family until purchased in the 1970s by well-known Maryland antique and Civil War dealer Tom Gordon and his father. Starry served twice, mustering into service at Gettysburg November 6 as a musician (drummer) with Co. A, 165th Pennsylvania Infantry and was honorably discharged with his company July 28, 1863, in Gettysburg. He enlisted a second time February 1, 1864, mustering in as a Private in Co. B of 21st PA Cavalry on February 3, 1864, and mustering out with the company July 8, 1865. Starry was both a member of the post and its commander in 1919.  He had been entrusted with the items as the youngest member of the post though, ironically, he was not the last survivor. The post disbanded sometime prior to 1924; Starry died June 9, 1925.  [jet][ph:L]

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