Item Description
Original Item: One of a Kind. This is the standard Union Officer's Dress or Parade Sword Model 1860, issued during the Civil War. This example however is a particularly upmarket version, with many high end gilt brass alloy appointments. Officer's were usually responsible for purchasing their own dress swords, so they varied considerably in quality and style. This sword is marked on the ricasso by the company that marketed it as part of the etching:
THE
M.C.LILLEY & Co.
Columbus, O.
On the reverse ricasso there is what looks to be some type of animal, possibly a bear or dog, stamped into the steel. Many of these upmarket swords were made with sword blades imported from Europe, particularly from France and Germany, so this may be the mark of the original maker.
The 30" blade is extensively etched with U.S. symbols, including the E. PLURIBUS UNUM motto under a U.S. Eagle, several U.S. Shields, as well as crossed cannons on both sides, and a cannon with a flag. The repeated cannons would usually indicate that the officer who the sword is named to in the etching, J. B. Joncas, was an artillery officer. The blade is in very good condition, with clear etching, and just some light oxidation on the last 1/3 of the blade.
The sword measures 36 1/2" overall, and the hilt and "shell" Guard are of gilded bronze/brass, all of which is intricately engraved. There is also a foldaway guard, which makes the sword easier to wear at the side. A most of the original gilding is present, making the sword very attractive. The ribbed ray skin grip is in great shape, with the original twisted brass wire wrapping fully intact.
The sword comes in its original decorated brass mounted nickel-plated scabbard. Scabbard is straight, and the plating is in good shape, with no dents that we can detect. It also comes with some excellent ornate brass hanger chains, which are quite heavy and long. The longer chain is 23 inches, while the shorter is 10 inches long, and both look great.
A very impressive dress sword from the civil war, with lots of research potential!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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