Original U.S. Civil War 3rd New Jersey Cavalry “1st United States Hussar Regiment” High-Grade M1850 Staff Officer’s Sword by Emerson & Silver with Outstanding Sterling Silver Grip & Scabbard - “One and Inseparable"
In stock
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an unbelievable high-grade presentation sword loosely based on the M1850 Staff Officer’s sword, but it’s clear this example was meant to be a one-of-a-kind example presented to a distinguished officer of the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry Regiment, otherwise known as the “Butterflies” or “1st United States Hussar Regiment”. The sword’s blade is triple-etched, with one side being the etching of a soldier of the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry in their iconic “Hussar” style uniform and cloak. This same side bears a motif of cavalry soldiers in combat.
The 3rd New Jersey Cavalry Regiment was a cavalry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The Butterflies or 1st United States Hussars Regiment, as they were known, were famous for being one of only two Union regiments designated as hussars, and the only one to serve with the Army of the Potomac.
The Butterflies were issued with a unique Austrian inspired uniform comprising a navy blue dolman with yellow chest braid, a peakless forage cap, and a short hooded cloak with red lining. Officers wore pelisses over their uniforms, and busbies were used for ceremonial occasions. In addition to being armed with a sabre and a pair of Remington New Model Army revolvers, each trooper was issued with a repeating Spencer carbine.
The etching on the other side of the blade bears a gorgeous cacophony of arms under a large panel bearing the phrase in Gothic text: “One and Inseparable”. The ricasso of this side is etched:
EMERSON
&
SILVER
TRENTON, N.J.
The spine of the 35 ⅛” blade is also etched IRON PROOF denoting that this was likely an imported German blade. The leather blade buffer is retained and the blade is still tight to the hilt. The blade has peppered oxidation along its length with most of it at the tip, which is now a small bit broken as shown.
The hilt is missing much of the gilding on the top of the crossguard but is very well retained elsewhere, with a great American shield on the underside. The hilt has lovely floral etching across the brass, while the incredible sterling silver grip bears a fabulous motif of a Cavalry soldier dismounted in a tropical environment with a palm tree. The opposite side bears a panel that may have been meant for an engraving. The overall length is 40 ⅞”.
The original scabbard has outstanding brass fittings depicting a man on horseback, a cacophony of arms, and the drag is very well-crafted with floral motifs on one side and an older officer carrying regimental colors, outstanding. Both suspension rings are present and are missing some of their gilt as shown. The scabbard is 36 ¼”.
This is an exquisite and intimidating example of a 3rd New Jersey Cavalry presentation saber, one of the most outstanding variants of the M1850 Staff Officer we have ever offered! The sword’s motto “One and Inseparable" serves as an unforgettable reminder of the cost of war, and the Union that this country fought like hell to preserve. A sword of this caliber will quickly become the centerpiece of any Civil War collection.
The 3rd New Jersey Cavalry Regiment was organized at Camp Bayard in Trenton, New Jersey and mustered in beginning December 2, 1863 under the command of Colonel Andrew J. Morrison. The regiment was attached to Cavalry, IX Corps, Army of the Potomac, to May 1864. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac and Middle Military Division, to June 1865. Defenses of Washington, D.C., to August 1865. The 3rd New Jersey Cavalry mustered out August 1, 1865 at Washington, D.C. The regiment lost a total of 157 men during service; 3 officers and 47 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, 2 officers and 105 enlisted men died of disease.
Dimensions:
Blade length: 35 1/8”
Overall length: 40 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 36 1/4"
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