This is an Emerson & Silver high grade Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's sword identified to Brigadier General Robert Lewis Bodine. General Bodine commanded the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was born in Northhampton, Pa. on 30 May, 1832, and died 12 January, 1874 in Philadelphia, Pa. Bodine enlisted on 1 June, 1861 as a Commissary Sergeant in the 26th Pennsylvania. On 21 August, 1861 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to K company, 26th Pennsylvania Infantry. On 14 January, 1862 he was promoted to Captain. He was transferred from K company to the regimental staff on 15 July, 1862 to coincide with his promotion to Major. Bodine was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 12 October 1863, Colonel 20 February 1864 and finally brevetted to Brigadier General on 13 March, 1865. Robert Bodine was in command of the 26th Pennsylvania during the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Brandy Station and the Battles of the Wilderness. This hard fighting Union Infantry regiment suffered 222 casualties during the war. it is believed that this Emerson & Silver high grade Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's sword was special ordered and presented to Bodine when he was promoted to Major. The sword has an overall length of 37 1/2", with a blade length of 31 3/4", 1 1/16" wide at the ricasso and has a 1/4" spine. There is a wide 23" fuller and a narrow 13" fuller on the blade. The blade has an overall steel gray patina mixed with black age spots scattered along the entire length of the blade on both sides. The reverse ricasso is etched EMERSON/SILVER/TRENTON/NJ. The blade is etched with the standard military stand of arms, cannons, shields and foliate designs. Approximately 6 1/2" from the edge of the ricasso in 1" letters the initials RLB are etched on the blade. The obverse ricasso has no etchings or stamps. This side of the blade has the same etchings of military stand of arms, cannons, shields and foliate designs, but no initials or US. The edge of the blade has a couple of nicks, felt more than seen. The hilt is brass with gold gilt applied, the majority of which has worn off. In the guard is an eagle perched on a military shield surrounded by laurel branches. A scroll type banner surrounds that, with stars engraved into the banner. Eight standards project from the eagle outward towards the outer branch of the guard. The knucklebow has some elaborate engravings where it meets the pommel cap. There is a little play where the knucklebow enters the pommel, allowing the guard to have a slight deflection on the blade. The grips is simulated wood with wrap, but is actually made of brass. The high points of the grip have silver wash applied, and retains the majority of the wash. The pommel cap is elaborately engraved and is cast integral with the grip. The peen is undisturbed. There is no throat washer on the blade. The hilt has taken on a dark chocolate appearance, except where the gold gilt and silver wash remain. The scabbard has a brass throat, mounts, rings and drag all retained by screws. The throat has the letter US at the bottom on each side of the scabbard. The upper mount has an eagle above the ring and a shield wrapped in laurel below ring. There is a brass hook and about 3" of a leather sword drop attached to the suspension ring. The lower mount is made up of more elaborate foliate designs. The drag is also made up of elaborate foliate. All the retaining screws are in place. The scabbard is brass with German silver wash applied. The outside of the scabbard has a chocolate brown patina over the silver, while the obverse side is all silver. I believe that this can be explained by a photo that will accompany the sword to the new owner. A three ring binder with information pertaining to Bodine, the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry, Emerson & Silver, and even a notorized letter written by the Heritage Sword Company certifying this sword to have belonged to Robert Lewis Bodine is included. The photo mentioned shows the sword displayed above the fire place of Bodine's residence, which would account for the discolored appearance of the scabbard and guard on the outside. There are two small dents on the reverse side of the scabbard, and a couple small areas of seam separation on the bottom of the scabbard. The loose guard, dents and seam can all be repaired if requested. This is a very rare and historic Civil War saber that was presented to a gallant and brave young Pennsylvanian. All you Pennsylvania collectors should have my phone ringing off the hook!

Item # AA1153

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