{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-m1850-foot-officer-sword-by-w-h-horstmann-sons-with-etched-german-made-blade-leather-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. Civil War M1850 Foot Officer Sword by W.H. Horstmann \u0026 Sons with Etched German-Made Blade \u0026 Leather Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely original model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword with half basket brass hilt decorated with pierced floral decorations, and a custom ordered etched blade. This example was made by the firm W.H. Horstmann \u0026amp; Sons of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As used by all officers below the rank of major between 1851-1865. This sword was used by both Union and Confederate officers during the American Civil War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe slightly curved blade of 30 1\/4 inches is in good shape, with some lovely etching in the middle, with “\u003cstrong\u003eU.S\u003c\/strong\u003e.” on one side, and a stunning military motif on the opposite side. Truly a lovely blade, with a nice aged dark patina, which is marked on one side with the maker information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW.H.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHORSTMANN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026amp; SONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePHILADELPHIA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spine of the ricasso has the words \u003cstrong\u003eIRON PROOF\u003c\/strong\u003e etched on it which confirms the sword originated from Solingen, Germany and was sold by Horstmann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade shows light oxidation from over the years, with heavy darkening across. The etching is very well-retained. The original leather blade buffer is still retained, rare to see. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip of the blade is still lovely wire-wrapped leather, and the wire is still tight without much damage to the leather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword comes in its original brass-mounted leather scabbard. The body is overall solid, but there are areas of weakness and heavy cracking. There was likely originally a middle mount but it is now gone. There is some heavy wear to the throat and drag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotally honest, out of the attic after well over 100 years of storage is ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1850 Army Staff and Field Officer's Sword was carried by all members of staff departments, Field Grade officers of Artillery and Infantry, Company Grade Officers of Light Artillery, Staff Officers and Aides-de-Camp between 1850 and 1872. It was based on a French pattern. Though other swords were by regulation allowed, this model was by far the most popular sword carried by officers during the American Civil War. The Staff and Field Officers' Sword is distinct from the Model 1850 Army Foot Officer's Sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 31 3\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 36 7\/8“\u003cbr\u003eBasket dimensions: 4 1\/2\" width x 5” length\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 32 3\/8”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43045753618501,"sku":"ONSV25WSO120","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25WSO120__01.jpg?v=1752092013","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-m1850-foot-officer-sword-by-w-h-horstmann-sons-with-etched-german-made-blade-leather-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}