Original U.S. Civil War M-1850 Style German Imported Non-Regulation Foot Officer’s Sword and Scabbard with Triple-Etched Blade - Rare Eagle Variant on Basket
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Original Item: Only One Available. In 1840 there was a decision to reform the swords used by the Regular Army. This may have been prompted by the creation of the dragoon regiments during the 1830s and dissatisfaction with the model-1833 Dragoon Saber design. In 1839 the War Department ordered a number of European edge weapons of various designs for testing. It convened a board of officers by authority of an order issued August 28, 1840 to study the various European designs. An order was placed with the German firm of Schnitzler and Kirschbaum in Solingen, then the leading center of blade production in Europe, for a quantity of the various designs chosen. The swords were delivered in 1841 and became the model-1840 pattern for many of the sword types used for the remainder of the 19th Century. In 1850 two swords were introduced: one for foot officers and a second for both staff and field officers.
This example is a very high quality “M-1850” Foot Officer’s sword and was imported from the Solingen based firm, W. Clauberg. This indicates that the sword, or at least the blade, was made in the legendary "City of Blades" in the mountains of Western Germany. We have not been able to find much information about this maker, a known maker of American-used blades during the period. The ricasso is marked with W. Clauberg / SOLINGEN. The other side of the ricasso has a PROVED brass piece and the spine is etched IRON PROOF. The blade has outstanding patriotic American etching with a great Eagle seal and US on the other side.
The basket is the standard “four finger” guard constructed out of steel. The most beautiful feature is the extremely rare variant of the Federal Eagle. The eagle is very “european” in design with pointed wings turned up and intricate details for the feathers. The grip was originally sharkskin-covered, but there is maybe 5% of it left in very isolated spots, with the wood underneath very visible now. This was originally a very high end officer’s sword.
The blade is in relatively great condition considering the age but there is some edge nicking toward the tip. There is pitting speckled throughout the blade as well as the spine, but does not subtract from the beautiful craftsmanship. The etching is very well-done with US on one side and the E Pluribus Unum eagle on the other. The original leather blade buffer is gone.
The scabbard is nickel plated steel with a brass throat, suspension rings and drag. Much of the plating is retained, but there is surface rust present. The scabbard is still straight and we have not found any dents or significant damage.
This is a great example of a Civil War era Non-Regulation Foot Officer’s German imported sword! Comes ready for further research and display.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 32 3/8”
Overall Length: 377/8”
Basket Dimensions: 3 ¾” wide x 6” Length
Scabbard Length: 33 3.4”
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