Item Description
Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous non-regulation officer’s sword likely manufactured in Germany and retailed by William H. Horstmann & Sons of Philadelphia. The sword comes with a tremendous attribution to Colonel John Herron Cain, who commanded the 155th.
The sword came with the provenance that it was kept rusted in an attic for many decades, leading to the heavy pitting across the entirety of the hilt and scabbard, but the sharkskin-wrapped grip is still in fantastic condition, and the etching on the blade is still retained.
The 32½” blade is well-etched with floral motifs, with U.S. on one side and the American Eagle motif on the other. The ricasso is marked:
W.H. HORSTMANN
& SONS
PHILADELPHIA
This would be the retailer of the sword. The other side is marked with what is likely a German maker’s mark, but it is partially under the crossguard, so we cannot determine the maker. The etching is well-retained for its age but is rather faded. The blade has some rusting near the tip, but the rest of the blade has held up well.
The hilt shows heavy pitting across from being stored in an attic, but the wire-wrapped sharkskin grip is very well-retained, with just some small wires having come undone and very minor loss to the sharkskin itself. The sword is 38½” overall.
The original steel scabbard is entirely pitted across, but is still in good order without any heavy denting, although there are a few noticeable dents on both sides, but these would be of the period. Both suspension rings are intact.
The sword comes with a packet of paperwork including a note that details how the sword was acquired from the family, who brought it into a Civil War Show in Gettysburg in 1980. There is an original tag from the 1980s with Cain’s information, and we were able to find a photo of officers in the 155th carrying very similar examples, which would make sense as regiments formed during the war often saw officers buying supplies in bulk from the same place.
Cain was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 18th, 1838, to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cain. He first enlisted in the 12th PA Infantry on April 25th, 1861 at the age of 22. He served the allotted 3 months and was mustered out on August 5th, 1861. He traveled back to Pittsburgh and recruited Company C of the 155th Pennsylvania Infantry, of which he was elected captain. At the Battle of Antietem, he was promoted to Major and assigned to the Field and Staff of the regiment, being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on December 31st, 1862 following the Battle of Fredericksburg. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he was finally made Colonel, in command of the entire 155th. He served in this capacity until his resignation of his commission on August 30th, 1863. He came to Franklin after the war and engaged in the oil business, still active in GAR and AOUW. He passed away on April 29th, 1903, after having a stroke while dismounting from his horse.
This is a phenomenal attributed officer’s sword with great provenance. Comes ready for further research and display.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 32½”
Overall Length: 38½”
Scabbard Length: 33½”
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
