1850 Foot Officer's sword

A couple months ago I posted an 1850 style Foot Officer’s Sword. Last week I managed to upgrade. Now I can omit the word “Style” because this one was definitely imported into the US.

The 1850 Foot Officer’s sword was the standard sword for all company grade officers regardless of arm of service aside from cavalry and a few others. An iconic Civil War officer’s sword, it would remain in service until 1872, when the model 1860 Staff and Field Sword became the standard sword for officers, regardless of rank.

One side of the blade bears the “King’s Head” mark of Gebruder Weyersburg of Solingen, who exported swords to Northern dealers during the Civil War. The opposite side is marked “HORSTMANN & SONS PHILADELPHIA.” Horstmann had manufacturing facilities, and although it’s known he also bought swords from Weyersburg, I’m not sure if in this case the whole sword was imported, or only the blade to be hilted by Horstmann. Either way, I think the likelihood of Civil War use by a Union Officer is pretty good.

The 30 ¼” blade has a broad fuller running ¾ of the length, with a shorter, narrow fuller at the top. It bears evidence of sharpening at the tip, and may have been ever so slightly repointed, or perhaps the owner just wanted it sharp. Both sides and the spine have floral etching about half way up the blade, but it’s faint and hard to make out, though it looks right for the period. The hilt is brass with a shagreen (fish skin) covered grip. Two loops of the original brass wire wrapping remain.