Original U.S. Model 1860 Army Staff and Field Officer Sword with Etched Blade & Wire-Wrapped Sharkskin Grip by J.H. McKenney of New York

Original Item: One Of A Kind: 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. American manufactured by the J. H. McKenney & Company military goods firm of New York City.

This post-war M1860 sword specimen is an edged weapon that was designed mostly for ceremonial use. The straight, double-edged steel blade measures 31” long and features a diamond-shaped cross section. Blade is embellished on both sides with etched foliate and a military panoply of arms. On the ricasso shows the maker J. H. / Mc / KENNEY / & Co. / N. Y.. The blade is quite dark with heavy oxidation and wear, but the etching is still mostly visible. Floral and patriotic etched motifs are present on both sides of the blade.

The Sword hilt and handle is brass, with the handle being wire-wrapped sharkskin, still mostly retained. The hilt is quite loose to the blade, but it sits well for display. Steel scabbard has a heavily oxidized, dark gray/brown patina and is adorned with two brass mounts and a brass drag; the brass throat is still present. Both mounts exhibit a floral display. The top mount sports two rings while the lower mount has only one. There is an old rope attached to two of the rings but we are not sure when it was added. Both sword mounts and the drag are tight. The scabbard is very oxidized overall. 

This is a very worn but handsome sword which is a must have for the collector of 19th Century U.S. Militaria.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 30 1/8"
Blade Style: Spear Tipped Rapier Style
Overall length: 36 7/8“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5 1/2” length
Scabbard length: 32 ⅛”