Original U.S. Civil War M1850 Foot Officer Sword by W.H. Horstmann & Sons with Etched German-Made Blade & Leather Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely original model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword with half basket brass hilt decorated with pierced floral decorations, and a custom ordered etched blade. This example was made by the firm W.H. Horstmann & Sons of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As used by all officers below the rank of major between 1851-1865. This sword was used by both Union and Confederate officers during the American Civil War.

The slightly curved blade of 30 1/4 inches is in good shape, with some lovely etching in the middle, with “U.S.” on one side, and a stunning military motif on the opposite side. Truly a lovely blade, with a nice aged dark patina, which is marked on one side with the maker information:

W.H.
HORSTMANN
& SONS
PHILADELPHIA

The spine of the ricasso has the words IRON PROOF etched on it which confirms the sword originated from Solingen, Germany and was sold by Horstmann.

The blade shows light oxidation from over the years, with heavy darkening across. The etching is very well-retained. The original leather blade buffer is still retained, rare to see. 

The grip of the blade is still lovely wire-wrapped leather, and the wire is still tight without much damage to the leather.

The sword comes in its original brass-mounted leather scabbard. The body is overall solid, but there are areas of weakness and heavy cracking. There was likely originally a middle mount but it is now gone. There is some heavy wear to the throat and drag.

Totally honest, out of the attic after well over 100 years of storage is ready to display!

The Model 1850 Army Staff and Field Officer's Sword was carried by all members of staff departments, Field Grade officers of Artillery and Infantry, Company Grade Officers of Light Artillery, Staff Officers and Aides-de-Camp between 1850 and 1872. It was based on a French pattern. Though other swords were by regulation allowed, this model was by far the most popular sword carried by officers during the American Civil War. The Staff and Field Officers' Sword is distinct from the Model 1850 Army Foot Officer's Sword.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 31 3/8"
Overall length: 36 7/8“
Basket dimensions: 4 1/2" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 32 3/8”