Original U.S. Civil War Era Model 1860 Army Staff and Field Officer Sword Presented to Lt. John J. Berry 1st Regt. NJSNG with Etched Blade & Sharkskin Grip

Original Item: Only One Available: This original M1860 Staff and Field officer’s sword is one of many produced by various manufacturers from the Civil War to the turn of the century. This example is not maker-marked that we could find. 

Although it is an edged weapon, this post-war version of the M1860 sword was primarily intended for use in ceremonies. The blade, measuring 31 inches in length, is straight, double-edged, and has a diamond-shaped cross-section. The blade is adorned on both sides with etched foliate and a military panoply of arms. While the blade is mostly semi-bright, there are some age discoloration spots and oxidation, particularly towards the bottom. The interior of the clamshell guard is engraved:

By his Friends to:
Lieut. John J. Berry
Co. G, 1st Reg. N.J.S.N.G.
Feb. 12th, 1877

This sword was presented to Lieutenant Berry by his friends in Company G, which we have found referred to as the “Emmet Zouaves”. The sword hilt is brass, with the handle having a sharkskin-wrapped wood handle with the wire wrap still present. Steel scabbard has a pleasing, dark gray/brown patina but is missing the original mounts, so there are no suspension rings present. The brass drag features a bold star on one side and a set of draped flags on the other. There is heavy overall wear as shown, and the missing mounts are a big issue.

This is a very handsome sword which is a must have for the collector of 19th Century U.S. Militaria. The engraving makes for a great research project.

Dimensions:
Blade Length: 27 3/4”
Overall Length: 34 1/8” 
Crossguard Width: 4”
Scabbard Length: 31”