This sword is a handsome, imported, Civil War Model 1850 staff officer’s sword in very good, original condition complete with its matching metal scabbard. Sword appears to be an import from the French sword producer Klingenthal.  A fine example of a Federal staff officer’s non-regulation edged weapon, this specimen has a semi bright blade that measures 32” long by 1” wide with a total length of 38”. An unstopped fuller that measures almost 23” long while its narrow fuller is 14” long. A fine acid etching of intricate scroll design is exhibited on both flats of the blade and starts at the ricasso and extends along the blade for some 17”. Obverse blade has the same style etching and displays delicate foliate design with ‘U.S.’ markings. Reverse flat similar but with a spreadwinged eagle. Reverse ricasso marked with two, small, oval French proof-marks and the sword back bears the Klingenthal inscription. Entire blade has a dusky gray sheen that has a handsome and pleasing appearance but does display light scattered peppery pitting overall with dark oxidation spots. Blade edge is free of any nicks or cuts.   

The highly ornate, well-executed cast brass hilt features a deep guard with a small integrated letters “US” in the outer band with fine floral cutouts in the hilt. Brass hilt is slightly loose on the tang.. Appears never cleaned. Leather pad is original. Dark sharkskin grips are in original, very fine condition and consist of a wooden swelled handle finely wrapped and bound with single-twisted copper wire. Pommel is profusely decorated with ornate, anthacus leaf scrollwork, has a plain medallion on upper surface with a tiered, flat, brass cap. Casting of both the hilt and pommel is clean and well defined. 

The matching scabbard, with its brass furniture and drag, is unmarked and in very good condition overall. Metal scabbard wears a smooth plum brown patina overall with very fine light pitting. This example exhibits all brass bands, sword suspension mounts, throat collar and sword rings.  Brass bands are plain save for light scalloped edges at the upper and lower bands. Plain drag has a single line of tooling at the upper edge. Bands, mounts, and drag appear show wear and scuffing.  Scabbard has all three retaining screws intact.   No maker’s stamp visible on the scabbard.  Bands and drag are tight and show normal dings and dents from age and storage.  

This original, imported Model 1850-foot officer’s sword is a wonderful example of a quality, Civil War Field and Staff officer’s sword.