Original U.S. Civil War Model 1850 Army Staff & Field Officer Sword by F. Hörster, Solingen with Scabbard
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword with half basket brass hilt decorated with pierced floral decorations molded into the guard. This was originally a high end special order sword, indicated by the multiple appointments, as well as the lovely etched German blade. It is now in very nice "matured' or "attic fresh" condition, with a great patina of age.
The ricasso of the blade is marked with F. HÖRSTER on one side with the PROVED slug on the opposite side for when the sword was exported to the United States. Originally founded in 1850 as "Friedrich Hörster" in 1850, the company was renamed to E. & F. Hörster in 1870 at the behest of Friedrich Emil & Fritz Hörster. The firm lasted long after WWII, finally being declared insolvent in 1996. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.
The grip is SHARK SKIN bound with twisted brass wire to secure the grip. This is well retained, though some of the wrapping is loose, and the skin is worn through and shrunken in places, mainly on the back. The hilt has an overall aged patina, and the guard and pommel are a bit loose, while the grip is still firm on the blade tang.
The slightly curved blade of 31 1/2 inches is in good shape, with some lovely etching in the middle, with U.S. on one side, and the Federal Eagle over E PLURIBUS UNUM on the other side, the standard etching used on these blades. There are multiple military designs etched, as well as quite a lot of foliage motifs. These are all relatively faint, and the blade must be held in the light to see them. Cleaning could possibly improve this, but we felt it was best to leave the blade as is.
The brown painted steel and brass scabbard is in wonderful condition but has the possibility of having been repainted at some point. It is still straight with minimal denting and no bends. All adornments are still firmly attached and without damage.
Clearly a Sword that was especially ordered for a serving Officer in the Civil War Era, in lovely matured condition and ready to display!
Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 31 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Slightly Curved with double Fullers
Overall length: 37 1/4“
Basket dimensions: 4 1/2" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 32”
The 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.
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