Item Description
Original Items: One-of-a-kind set. This is an incredible set of three U.S. Civil War officer's swords that belonged to Union Officer Lieutenant William H. Coulston. These swords were purchased directly from his family. We received some research information along with the swords, which help shed light on his military service.
Coulston was born during 1838 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After the outbreak of the American Civil War on April 12, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army on August 2, 1861 at the age of 24. He was given the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, so he most likely had experience or education, resulting in an officer rank.
Coulston was made a officer of 23rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company B, of which he was still a member on October 20th 1861, when he was promoted to 1st Lt. He remained with the unit until July 12th 1862, when he resigned his post. He then joined the 3rd Maryland Cavalry Regiment, Company F, again as a 2nd Lt., and is listed as "Adjutant" on the records we have. We were able to find copies of these original documents in the National Archives database. Printed copies of both documents are included with this set.
As with any officer, he would have been issued or purchased a sword, and in this case, we have three swords that were used by him during his service. They are all genuine and in very good condition, having been well cared for during the past 150 or so years.
The three swords in this set are:
- A standard U.S. Staff & Field Officer's M-1850 sword with gilt mounts by Ames Mfg. Co. of Chicopee Mass., as marked on the blade ricasso and scabbard. It features a high quality sharkskin grip, with intact wire wrapping. The sword has a very good condition etched blade showing U.S. and E PLURIBUS UNUM amidst stands of arms and floral patterns. It comes complete with its gilt brass mounted leather scabbard, and is just in great shape.
- A privately purchased Presentation or Gift example of a U.S. Staff & Field Officer's M-1850 sword with all gilt mounts. It also features a high quality sharkskin grip, with intact wire wrapping. The sword is fitted with an exceptional triple etched blade, which is of very high quality. The spine is marked Manuf're a Klingenthal, so it was made at the former location of the first Royal Weapons Factory in France. While it lost the "Royal Manufactory" status in 1838, it continued to produce edged weapons continuously until the mid 20th century.
The etching on the blade is relatively standard, with foliate designs extending about half way up the blade. This is definitely a private purchase sword on which no expense appears to have been spared. It features highly engraved gilt brass mounts on the steel scabbard, which also bears an engraved plaque that reads:-
Presented to
Lieu. Wm. H. Coulston
Comp'y B.
23rd Reg't P.V.
This may have been presented to Coulston when he left the unit, or possibly when he was promoted to 1st Lt., which would have been an occasion to celebrate.
- The third sword in the set is probably the last one he received, when he joined the Maryland 3rd Cavalry. As a cavalry officer, he would need a cavalry sword, and a U.S. M-1860 light cavalry saber was just what he needed. This example also looks to have been made by Ames Mfg. Co. of Chicopee Mass., however the blade has been maintained and cleaned over the years, which have made the maker marking on the ricasso faint. The reverse ricasso is marked U.S. / A.D.K. / 1862, indicating inspection by Andrew D. King , who inspected swords at the Ames factory 1840-1865.
The whole saber is in lovely matured condition, coming complete with its original scabbard.
Fresh to the market, this is a fine set of three swords, all coming from the family. Ideal for additional research, including the few sheets we already include. Perfect for any Civil War Edged weapon enthusiast!
Approximate Dimensions (Ames M1850):
Blade Length: 30 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edged Slightly Curved with double Fullers
Overall length: 36 1/2“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 31 1/2”
Approximate Dimensions (French M1850):
Blade Length: 30 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edged Slightly Curved with double Fullers
Overall length: 36“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 33”
Approximate Dimensions (M1860):
Blade Length: 35"
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with double Fullers
Overall length: 41“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 36 1/2”
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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