Original U.S. Civil War M1850 Foot Officer Sword with Patterned Leather Grip & Etched Blade

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good original condition model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword with half basket brass hilt decorated with pierced floral decorations, and a custom ordered etched blade which is now extremely faint. 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. This example is missing its scabbard.

The slightly curved blade of 31 inches is in good shape despite missing its scabbard, with some lovely but now faint etching in the middle, with “U.S.” on one side, and military motifs on the opposite side. Despite some staining and very small nicks, this blade is in good shape! Truly a lovely blade, with a nice aged dark patina. It is not maker-marked that we can find, but there may have been a marking before the heavy cleaning. There is a very small fragment of the original leather blade buffer still attached, but it is close to falling off.

The sword is in overall good shape with the wire wrapped around the grip still tightly wound, with much of the leather strangely patterned with dots, and this looks to have been done during the period. The blade, grip, and guard are still very solid and without any play. The brass guard and pommel have developed a very pleasant rich patina over the years.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 31”
Blade Style: Single Edged Slightly Curved with double Fullers
Overall length: 36 1/2”
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length

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.