Produced by the Prussian firm of W. Walscheid of Solingen, Prussia (Germany), this imported, non-regulation foot officer’s sword was used in the American Civil War.  A handsome sword & scabbard specimen is complete and in very good condition.   Walscheid produced high-quality edged weapons for the Union during the Civil War but did not continue its manufacturing business after the war.  Major General Philip Sheridan was one the high-ranking officers who carried a Walsheid sword during the war.

This handsome Walshied sword is a non-regulation specimen of the British Pattern 1827 steel hilt with characteristics from the Pattern 1854 British hilt.  Some but not influences are the wide rolled quillon, American spread-winged eagle in the guard over cutout letters ‘U S’, and the steel backstrap with its center ears on the grips. Handsome blade has a slight curve and is in strong condition with beautifully engraved motifs of military accoutrements, including cannon, flags, lances and drums that extend for 4” to an ornate ivy vine on both flats.  Engraving clear but thin in areas from use.  Manufactured from high-grade steel, the single-edged blade measures 33 long, is 1” wide, and has a single, stopped fuller 20¼” long with no narrow fuller.  Thin spots of dark oxidation are visible along the first 5’ or 6” of the tip.  Reverse ricasso is stamped with the maker’s mark of “W. WALSCHEID / SOLINGEN” stamped in a two line stamp.  Obverse ricasso bears the brass ‘PROVED’ stamp or disc common on non-regulation British pattern swords.   Reverse flat exhibits the script letters with a detailed “U.S” flanked by floral displays.   Obverse flat bears the spreadwinged eagle.

The large steel hilt / guard features a scroll-like cutout display that flows into a decorative cutout branch that terminates into a wide strong knucklebow.  Hilt is strong and tight and has not been cleaned. Large original leather washer is tight and intact. Original grips are in very good condition and consist of a straight wooden handle wrapped in high quality, dark-colored sharkskin with double-twist brass wire bound around the handle and each turn flanked by single strand brass wire. Sharkskin is in very good condition with the brass wire tight. The steel top strap has ears on the grips. Grips are tight. Scabbard is complete including flared throat, upper and lower brass bands, mounts, and drag which are all tight and secure.  Scabbard exhibits a smooth hard medium gray surface with one small dent and retains its two small attachment screws at the throat. Specimen does show mild scattered dark spots of oxidation and appears to have been moderately cleaned at one time. Shows fine serrations overall.  This non-regulation staff officer’s sword with its original scabbard is a nice example of an imported quality edged weapon.