Item:
ONSV21NT97

Original U.S. Army Officer M1860 Named Presentation Dress Sword by Chas. Svendsen with Scabbard

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is the standard U.S. Army Officer's Dress or Parade Sword Model 1860, as first issued during the Civil War. The design was popular, and retained for decades afterwards as the standard officer's dress sword. This is definitely an upmarket customized example, with an ornate hilt and brass scabbard with highly adorned fittings. Intended for presentation, it was definitely meant to impress.

The blade has the central panel etched with U.S. on one side, with the presentation dedication on the other:

PRESENTED TO
A. M. Lieb
BY
Co. E, Knights
OF St. George

The "Knights of St. George" were a fraternal organization started in 1880 around the Pittsburgh area, so this is definitely a late 19th century sword. Definitely an excellent research opportunity.

The ricasso of the blade bears the name of the retailer it was purchased from:

CHAS. -
SVENDSEN
CINCINNATI,
OHIO

The Svendsen Company was an internationally known banner, flag, and military equipment business founded by Charles J.F. Svendsen in Cincinnati during 1866. The business was continued after his death in 1903 by the family until 1925.

Like all "Military Outfitters", they offered numerous private purchase items for officers, which they would then customize as ordered. The other side of the blade is stamped GERMANY, so this was an imported blade, most likely from Solingen, Germany. After importation the blades were then mounted and customized in the workshops of the retailer.

The sword measures 37 1/1" overall, and the hilt and very ornate "shell" Guard are of bronze/brass alloy and the grip is wire bound sharkskin. The guard has a lovely federal eagle design, typical of this pattern, with a U.S. "Shield" on the inner side. This can then "fold away" by pressing a small button inward, which would make it rest better on the hip. This is only seen on high end bespoke pieces such as this. Overall the hilt is just a bit loose on the tang. 

The brass mounted nickel plated steel scabbard is magnificent, and still retains much of the original plate, with some flaking and oxidation towards the drag. The fittings are all highly ornate, with embossed stands of arms, foliate designs, and other ornamentations.

Condition is very good, with a great look and patina. The hilt has a lovely brass patina, and the grip is in very good condition. The blade still has a lovely gold washed background to most of the etching, with just some light wear and oxidation to the bright steel blade. The scabbard also looks great, and has no dents or bends that we can see in the body.

A magnificent example, ready to research and display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 31”
Overall length: 37 1/2”
Handguard: 5”W x 5 1/2”L
Scabbard length: 32"

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