{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-m1850-style-german-imported-foot-officer-s-sword-by-w-clauberg-of-solingen-with-triple-etched-blade-rare-eagle-guard","title":"Original U.S. Civil War M1850 Style German Imported Foot Officer’s Sword by W. Clauberg of Solingen with Triple-Etched Blade \u0026 Rare Eagle Guard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional and very high-quality U.S. Civil War era non-regulation Foot Officer’s sword in the general style of the Model 1850, fitted with a beautifully etched German-made blade by \u003cstrong\u003eW. Clauberg of Solingen\u003c\/strong\u003e. The sword is especially notable for its elaborate patriotic blade decoration and the unusual Federal eagle incorporated into the steel basket guard, which differs considerably from the eagle designs normally encountered on American officer swords of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the decades before the Civil War, the U.S. Army increasingly looked to European sword patterns for inspiration. Solingen, Germany, was one of the world’s great centers of edged weapon manufacture, and German blades were imported into the United States in large numbers during the mid-19th century. Many American officers purchased privately made swords rather than government-issued examples, resulting in a remarkable variety of so-called non-regulation patterns during the Civil War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sword was imported from the Solingen firm of \u003cstrong\u003eW. Clauberg\u003c\/strong\u003e, a known producer of blades intended for the American market during the period. The ricasso is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW. CLAUBERG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite side of the ricasso carries a brass \u003cstrong\u003ePROVED\u003c\/strong\u003e insert, while the spine is etched:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIRON PROOF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is particularly impressive and features extensive etched decoration on multiple surfaces. One side incorporates a bold \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e motif within elaborate foliate and patriotic ornamentation, while the opposite side displays an American eagle beneath an \u003cstrong\u003eE PLURIBUS UNUM\u003c\/strong\u003e banner. The blade decoration is finely executed and reflects the higher grade of sword originally represented by this piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guard is constructed from steel in the familiar openwork, multi-branch style often associated with non-regulation Civil War officer swords. Its most striking feature is the highly unusual Federal eagle worked into the basket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than the more conventional American eagle form, this example has a distinctly European appearance, with sharply pointed wings rising upward and carefully rendered feather detail. It is a very attractive and uncommon variation and gives the sword considerably more character than a standard regulation-pattern guard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip was originally covered in sharkskin, but almost all of that covering has now been lost. Perhaps \u003cstrong\u003e5%\u003c\/strong\u003e remains in isolated areas, leaving the wooden grip core largely exposed. Despite the loss, the surviving construction makes clear that this was originally a finely finished officer’s sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade remains in relatively good condition considering its approximately 160 years of age. There is scattered pitting across the blade and spine along with some edge nicking, particularly toward the point. Fortunately, the important patriotic etching remains quite strong and clearly visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original leather blade washer or buffer at the base of the blade is no longer present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword retains its original nickel-plated steel scabbard, fitted with a brass throat, suspension mounts and rings, and brass drag. A substantial amount of the nickel plating remains, although there are areas of surface oxidation and rust where the plating has worn away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportantly, the scabbard remains straight and we have not identified any major dents or significant structural damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction of the Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword and Staff \u0026amp; Field Officer’s Sword formalized new patterns for U.S. Army officers just over a decade before the Civil War. However, privately purchased officer swords rarely adhered rigidly to government patterns. Officers could select from American and European makers and importers, resulting in swords that combined familiar U.S. military forms with distinctly foreign design elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolingen manufacturers were especially important to this trade. German firms produced large numbers of blades and complete swords for export to the United States, particularly during the enormous expansion of the Union and Confederate armies after 1861. Many were decorated specifically for American buyers with Federal eagles, U.S. motifs, patriotic scrollwork, and other national imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Clauberg sword is a particularly attractive example of that transatlantic trade. Its deeply etched patriotic blade, German maker marking, unusual steel basket, rare European-style Federal eagle, and surviving plated scabbard combine to create a sword with considerably more visual interest than a standard regulation Foot Officer’s pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is a very appealing Civil War era German-imported non-regulation officer’s sword, displaying the kind of quality, individuality, and elaborate patriotic decoration that made privately purchased officer arms such an important part of Civil War material culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 32 3\/8”\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 377\/8”\u003cbr\u003eBasket Dimensions: 3 ¾” wide x 6” Length\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 33 3.4”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44868310368325,"sku":"ONSV26MFD033","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/253571AA-405F-4595-A6C0-A3A64658F724.jpg?v=1776107927","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-m1850-style-german-imported-foot-officer-s-sword-by-w-clauberg-of-solingen-with-triple-etched-blade-rare-eagle-guard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}