Original U.S. Civil War M-1850 Style German Imported Non-Regulation Cavalry Officer’s Sword & Scabbard - Rare Eagle Variant on Basket

Original Item: Only One Available. In 1840 there was a decision to reform the swords used by the Regular Army. This may have been prompted by the creation of the dragoon regiments during the 1830s and dissatisfaction with the model-1833 Dragoon Saber design. In 1839 the War Department ordered a number of European edge weapons of various designs for testing. It convened a board of officers by authority of an order issued August 28, 1840 to study the various European designs. An order was placed with the German firm of Schnitzler and Kirschbaum in Solingen, then the leading center of blade production in Europe, for a quantity of the various designs chosen.

This is a lovely non-regulation cavalry officer’s sword which was likely imported from a Solingen-based firm. The basket is the standard “four finger” guard constructed out of steel. The most beautiful feature is the extremely rare variant of the Federal Eagle. The eagle is very “european” in design with pointed wings turned up and intricate details for the shield, feathers, and other details. The grip is wire wrapped leather and in great, worn condition but does exhibit some minor material loss.

The heavy 31 ½” blade is in good condition but shows heavy wear to the finish with oxidation spotting across its length. There are some nicks on the edge. There is pitting speckled throughout the blade as well as the spine, but does not subtract from the beautiful craftsmanship.

The heavy iron scabbard is in good order with a heavily pitted oxidized finish. It retains both suspension rings, but there is no throat piece if there was ever one to begin with. The scabbard is 33¼” long.

This is a great example of a Civil War era Non-Regulation Cavalry Officer’s German imported sword! Comes ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31 1/2”
Overall Length: 36 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 33 1/4”