Original U.S. Antebellum Period 1840s Militia Staff Officer’s Sword with Etched Blade & Knight’s Helmet Pommel by Horstmann & Sons of Philadelphia - Rare
In stock
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is an excellent Antebellum period American militia officer’s sword with an outstanding etched blade and carved bone grip, with a great knight’s helmet pommel. The sword comes in its original scabbard which bears an applied tag for HORSTMANN & SONS of Philadelphia. This style dates from around 1840-1855, with those afterwards often using sharkskin grips.
The double-edged 31 ½” blade has lovely etching on both sides, one side showing a Mayan head, floral motifs, and some arms, while the other side has the liberty cap and a small cacophony of arms with more floral motifs. The blade has some heavy edge nicking towards the tip, but presents very well with an outstanding patina that highlights much of the etching.
The brass hilt consists of a Mameluke-style crossguard with acorn ends, a lovely carved bone grip that is a single continuing piece around the hilt, and a lovely knight’s helmet pommel. There was likely a chain attached to the loop on the helmet that would connect to the end of the crossguard. The grip is a bit loose now but everything is still well-attached. There is a large crack on one side of the handle as shown. The overall length is 37 ⅝”.
The brass scabbard was originally plain brass but is now painted black, likely done during the period. There is an applied scroll tag reading:
HORSTMANN
& SONS
MAKERS
PHILA. DA.
They were a large Military outfitter, and sold all types of items for the military. Many of the blades they used were imported from Germany, though we do not see any markings on the blade. They were often imported unmarked, so they could be customized if desired. The scabbard retains two hanging rings on the top mount and one hanging ring on the bottom mount, with the top mount having a small floral knob, likely for belt attachment.
An excellent and attractive Mexican-American War era militia officer’s sword, ready for display!
Dimensions:
Blade length: 31 1/2”
Blade style: Double-Edged blade with fuller.
Overall length: 37 ⅝”
Handguard: 5”x 5”
Scabbard length: 32 ¼”
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