This original turn of the century M1860 Staff officer's sword complete with original metal scabbard was the property of W. B. Hotchkin when he was a Lieutenant in Company E, 22nd Engineer Regiment, New York National Guard. Hotchkin enlisted when he was 18 years old and served for 33 years. In 1889, he became a 2nd Lt in the 22nd regiment and rose thru the ranks until he was promoted Colonel of the regiment in 1902, the post he held until 1914. He commanded the regiment during the Span-Am war and afterward became a principle of the Stoppani & Hotchkin brokerage firm in New York. A prominent businessman in the city, Hotchkin was a wheeler-dealer and was subsequently charged in 1914 with 'grand larceny' related to five counts of misappropriation of funds totaling $24,900. He was involved in court litigation for months. In June of 1916, Hotchkin died in his 56th year after several days in the hospital.

Produced by Ridabock & Company of New York, this sword specimen is an extremely light piece that was designed and adopted for officers that presumably would rarely be called on to use this weapon in action. The straight steel blade is 29" long and has a diamond-shaped cross section. Blade is profusely embellished on both sides with floral scrollwork and military motifs via the acid etching process. Etched on the obverse is the marking "Presented to Lieut. W. B Hotchkin By Co. E, 22nd Regt. N. G. S. N. Y. January 1889". Reverse ricasso marked with "Ridabock & Co" and also shows letters "U.S." flanked by military motifs. Traces of gold wash are visible on both sides of the blade. Has few scattered age discoloration spots and pinprick rust pitting at the ricasso and at the blade tip. Grips exhibit a swelled-center handle wrapped in sharkskin. The double-twisted brass wire wrap is all very loose. At both ends of the grip are brass ferrules with floral designs.

Brass pommel is decorated with an eagle on the obverse and a small shield on the reverse. Pommel cap is decorated with a leaf design. Knucklebow is slightly bent and is decorated with scrollwork and pierced for the attached gold bullion sword knot. Knot is in fair condition with moderate fraying and tearing. Pommel and knucklebow are tight on the grips. Hilt displays a kidney-shaped counter-guard, often referred to as a clamshell guard that is ornamented on one side with a cast eagle and a group of flags in the background. A small, spring loaded, push button on the hilt activated the reverse side hinged guard and would fold down when the sword was worn. Hinged guard is decorated with a shield and a floral wreath. All brass is uncleaned and wears a mellow, dark patina.

The undented steel scabbard is nickeled and is adorned with two gilded brass mounts, a brass drag, and a plain brass throat. Each of the brass mounts exhibits an intricate floral display from which a small brass sword ring is attached. Both sword mounts and the drag retain their small, brass setscrew. Nickel plating has worn away in spots and reveals a dusky gray coloring beneath. In fair to good condition, this identified Model 1860 Staff Officer's sword is a classic example carried by some officers between 1850 and 1872. Comes with just cursory data on Hotchkin.