This sword is a very good example of an original, non-regulation, staff officer’s sword assembled by the Newark, New Jersey firm of Henry Sauerbier. This high quality, embellished sword is complete with its handsome black leather scabbard adorned with brass mountings.

The handsome, slightly curved steel blade measures 30 ½” long, 1 1/8” width, and a 22” long unstopped fuller. The narrow fuller is 22”. Blade is clean and bright with a few scattered dark spots of oxidation.  Both flats of the blade exhibit the Sauerbier-style of leafy floral motifs acid etched. The blade is etched on the ricasso with “H. SAUERBIER / NEWARK / N.J.” A ribbon with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” amid the florals on one side and a bold san-serif “U.S.” amid the florals on the other side. Slightly rounded blade back. Blade is in excellent condition with no nicks. The large, very ornate French-styled, cast brass hilt displays a cutout guard integrated into the knucklebow. Central on the guard face is a large spread-winged eagle very much like the 1858 Hardee hat side plate design. Inside of knucklebow is also engraved. Hilt is tight to the tang. Leather washer is missing. Brass pommel is decorated with florals and stars. Two oval Mother of Pearl inlays are found on the pommel.  The inlay on the top of the pommel is engraved with a laurel wreath encircling the initials “R. G. W.” The other inlay is on the pommel cap and bears an engraved Masonic “square and compass” symbol with “G”. Brass wears an uncleaned, mellow patina. Grips are in good condition and feature an original black leather covered wooden handle secured with fine double-twisted wire, all tightly wound around the handle.  Leather grip has only minor wear at pommel end.

The original, black leather scabbard is in excellent condition.  Leather body wears a black finish with no scuffs and some light crazing visible.  Leather is strong and rigid even with two ½” cracks on stitched side. Stitching is original and tight. Front side of scabbard is nicely tooled with geometric patterns. Brass scabbard furniture consists of a throat with brass ring, a center mount with ring, and the drag. All three pieces feature detailed engravings on front side. The throat, in addition to extensive background engraving, features the word “UNION” with blue enamel inlay above the ring mount and “13 N.J.” engraved below the ring mount. The middle mount, in addition to the background engraving, features a coiled serpent with a miniscule red stone chip in the eye. The drag is likewise extensively engraved but features blue enamel inlay of “US” (small portion of “U” chipped) and blue and white enamel inlays of the stripes of American flag being carried by a soldier. This scabbard is quite a show piece in itself. Two of the three pieces remain tight to the scabbard; middle mount slides some.  All three small set screws are present. Scabbard drag shows no edgewear. A solid sword and scabbard.

Robert G. Wilson joined the 13^th New Jersey Infantry on August 25, 1862. He mustered out as a 1^st Lieutenant on June 8, 1865.  He was seriously wounded at Antietam (gunshot wound in arm) and wounded again at Resaca (gunshot in chin; broken jaw). He was present at Gettysburg. The 13^th NJ served in the 2^nd, 12^th, and 20^th Corps during the war.  Sword and scabbard come with large file of military and pension records.    [jet]

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