This is a Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword from the Civil era. This is the style adopted by the Army to standardize sabers for all staff officers and for field officers of Infantry, Artillery and Rifleman. This saber, like most of that era, were based on a French pattern. The overall length of this saber measures 36 1/4", with the slightly curved blade being 30 3/4" in length. There are no maker marks on the blade, but there is an engraved name on the reverse ricasso. Looks to be the name of the soldier "Y Lauterning". The bright blade has a fuller that begins at the ricasso and runs 19" long. Above the wide fuller is a narrow one that runs 16 1/2". These blades are normally etched with floral designs, this one has trees and foliage. On the obverse side of the blade intermixed with the foliage are the US letters, an American eagle with shield and a banner with EPLURIBUS ENUM imprinted on it. The reverse side of the blade has a shield below the American flag. The true edge of the blade is free of nicks and has not been sharpened. The blade has a bright appearance and the etchings are very clear. There are just a couple of dark aged spots on each side of the blade. The brass hilt has a half basket design with two branches. The majority of the gilt has been worn off the brass, remaining in the recessed areas. The inner branch of the guard is comprised of floral designs, while the outer branch has the letters US surrounded by more floral design. The quillon, knuckle bow and Phrygian helmet shaped pommel cap all have floral designs engraved on them. The wooden grip is still covered in the marine skin wrap, and shows some wear along the top. The twisted wire gilt wire is original and still very tight to the grip. There is no blade deflection with the hilt, tight as the day as it was made. This is a very honest example of a pre Civil War Army issue sword that was commonly carried by officers during that war. It came into the shop without a scabbard and is priced accordingly.

Item # AA880

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