This pattern was established as regulation for officers serving on foot in 1850 and was the standard weapon carried by infantry lieutenants and captains serving on the front lines in action throughout the Civil War. Officers had to purchase their own uniforms, gear, supplies, and weapons. In this case, an officer managed to acquire a very high-quality example made by one of America’s most famous jewelers with nicely engraved mounts and a beautifully etched blade.

The hilt has the regulation cast and chased leaf and floral scroll on pommel cap and as open-work in the guard, all of which has a pleasing aged brass patina with just a few dark spots in recessed areas. The grip is excellent, with the regulation dark gray sharkskin wrap and wire binding in place. The black leather scabbard has matching brass mounts that show a pleasing patina with a nice mixture of brightness and age. The mounts are plain on the reverse. The obverse of each is beautifully engraved. The upper mount has a stippled upper section with vine and leaves above and a scroll beneath a diagonal panel left blank for the inscription of a name or presentation. The lower portion shows a sunburst of rays. The middle mount has a stippled center around the band with floral scrolls. The lower mount displays geometric and floral motifs, with a prominent “U.S.” marked shield and an eagle perched on the upper portion of a globe surmounting it all. There is only one slight ding on the reverse of the drag with a couple of light scratches. The leather body is solid, with no bends or breaks with tight seam and very good finish.

The blade is excellent as well. We see only some light rubs on the flats near the very tip, far above the etching, from sheathing and unsheathing. Both sides of the blade preserve profuse and vivid etching on frosted panels ending with flame points. The designs are a mix of floral, military, and patriotic motifs. The obverse is etched at the base, near the ricasso, “TIFFANY & Co. / NEW YORK,” with the wonderful guarantee above: “WARRANTED TO CUT WROUGHT IRON.” Above that is an oval shield resting at the base of crossed flags from which a vine extends upward to an entwined display of arms with a U.S. shield. Overhead an American eagle with spread wings, clutching arrows and olive branch, is shown directly from the front, below a scrolling ribbon with floral ends reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Above that the etching extends with long floral scrolls The reverse is etched with a wide leaf at bottom, with outline. A stand of arms above that includes drums, shield, a quiver of arrows, pikes, etc., along with a flowing U.S. pennant. Floral scrolls lead to a centrally placed “U.S.,” above which they continue and entwine another stand of arms before ending near the flame points of the frosting. Needless to say, the edge and point are good.

This is a very pretty sword that would fit with any collection of U.S. edged weapons, but would look particularly good displayed with a sash and high-quality period embroidered officer’s insignia.  [sr]

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