A handsome, quality Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword with its fine leather scabbard. Blade likely manufactured by the firm of Gerbruder Weyersberg of Solingen, Prussia (now Germany) and assembled by importer William H. Horstmann and Sons of Philadelphia. Horstmann, a well-known sword retailer and importer, contracted with the Prussian firm for most of Horstmann’s better quality swords. Horstmann imported and assembled the blades with grips and then applied his blade address on the ricasso. The handsome, high-quality steel blade is slightly curved and measures 31½” long with a 23 ½” long stopped fuller and 17 ½” narrow fuller. Both flats of the blade exhibit intricately acid-etched floral decorations along with military motifs. All etchings within the fuller are strong and sharp with good detail…etchings that extended below the fuller to the blade edge have been worn away. Starting at the blade’s reverse ricasso is a foliate design that incorporates a military motif of flags, lances, drums and a shield device. A large script “U.S.” is next followed by more foliate. The ricasso on the blade obverse exhibits the etched retailer’s mark that reads “W. H. / HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA”. Rest of flat bears a similar etched design as the obverse. Rounded blade back exhibits the stamping “IRON PROOF”. Blade is bright and exhibits scattered gray spotting and multiple small nicks.

The ornate, cast brass hilt is typical of a foot officer’s sword and displays a floral decorated guard with a single band integrated into the knucklebow. Handsome, ornate hilt has swelled grips in wonderful condition. Grips secured with fine double-twisted brass wire flanked on each side by a strand of single wire, all tight and strong. Quillon and hilt face exhibit pleasing floral casting. Has original red washer. Pommel shows a single-domed cap with an oak leaf design along the edges. All brass has acquired a mellow patina overall. The original scabbard is in good condition complete with two, ornate bands and drag. Sword mounts each secure a 1” diameter brass ring. Throat piece is slightly loose. Scabbard retains all screws. Leather scabbard body is rigid with tight stitching. This M1850 foot officer’s sword is a fine, Horstmann-marked piece and is a specimen that would compliment any Civil War display or collection. [jet]

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