Original U.S. Civil War M1850 Foot Officer Sword by W.H. Horstmann & Sons with Etched German-Made Blade & Steel 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 other side of the ricasso is marked with the "Kings's Head" (königskopf) logo of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. 

The blade shows heavy oxidation from over the years, with heavy darkening across. The etching is now very faint, but the maker’s marks can still be made out.

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 plated steel scabbard, with both mounts and suspension rings retained. There is heavy wear to the plating but there is a nice patina overall. 

A good foot officer’s sword, ready for further research and display.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 30 1/2"
Overall length: 36 3/4“
Basket dimensions: 4 1/2" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 34 1/4”