Original U.S. Pre-WWI Engraved Model 1860 Army Staff & Field Officer Sword with Etched Blade & Scabbard - Presented in 1900 to New Jersey Militia Lieutenant Charles W. Parker
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This original M1860 Staff and Field officer’s sword is one of many produced by various manufacturers from the Civil War to the turn of the century. This example is gorgeously engraved on the rain chape:
PRESENTED TO:
LIEUT. CHAS. W. PARKER
As a memento of affection and esteem
January 22nd, 1900
In our research, we’ve found this was likely issued to Lieutenant Charles Wolcott Parker (1862-1948), a justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court from 1907 to 1947. Parker served in the New Jersey State Militia from 1890 to 1907, advancing from private to lieutenant colonel and serving as an assistant adjutant general from 1902 to 1907. He also served as an aide-de-camp to Governor Franklin Murphy from 1902 to 1904. His Adjutant General’s Record entry shows he served as Lieutenant from December 18th, 1899 to October 22nd, 1900, which lines up with the rank engraved on the sword! We are very confident in this identification. More information can be found at his wikipedia page.
This post-war M1860 sword specimen is an edged weapon that was designed mostly for ceremonial use. The straight, double-edged bright steel blade measures 31” long and features a diamond-shaped cross section. Blade is embellished on both sides with etched foliate and a military panoply of arms. It is still mostly bright, with some scattered oxidation staining in areas, particularly near the tip and the ricasso. The ricasso is maker-marked Ridabock & Co. of New York.
The Sword hilt is gilt brass, with the handle having a sharkskin-wrapped wood handle with the wire wrap still present.
The nickel plated steel scabbard is in very good condition, and still straight with no major dents or bends. It has a pleasing, aged look to the plating, with some wear through to the steel base material, but no major oxidation that we can see. It is adorned with two brass mounts and a brass drag; the brass throat is still present. Both mounts exhibit a floral display. The top mount sports two rings while the lower mount has only one. The brass drag features a bold star on one side and a set of draped flags on the other. Both sword mounts and the drag are tight. This example still retains part of the sword knot except the knot itself has come off.
This is a very handsome & identified sword which is a must have for the collector of 19th Century U.S. Militaria.
Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 31 1/4"
Blade Style: Spear Tipped Rapier Style
Overall length: 37 1/4“
Guard imensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 32¼”
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