Original Item: Only One Available. This is an absolutely original Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword with half basket brass hilt decorated with pierced floral decorations molded into the guard. This was definitely originally a high end special order sword, indicated by the multiple appointments, as well as the lovely etched German blade. It is now in very nice "matured' or "attic fresh" condition, with a great patina of age.

The ricasso of the blade is marked with the full Wilhelm Clauberg marking with their der Ritter (the knight) holding a sword logo:

Wilhelm Clauberg AG, Waffen- & Stahlwarenfabrik was founded in 1810 in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. They exported large numbers of blades to England and the U.S.A. as well as Great Britain, during the mid 19th century. The knight trademark had first been registered in 1850, making it correct for Civil War issue swords.  By 1887 however they had ceased weapon production, and were mainly making razors and steelware, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The grip is SHARK SKIN bound with twisted brass wire to secure the grip. This is well retained, though some of the wrapping is loose, and the skin is worn through and shrunken in places. The hilt has an overall aged patina, and the guard and pommel are a bit loose, while the grip is still firm on the blade tang.

The slightly curved blade of 31 1/2 inches is in good shape, with some lovely etching in the middle, with U.S. on one side, and the Federal Eagle over E PLURIBUS UNUM on the other side, the standard etching used on these blades. There are multiple military designs etched, as well as quite a lot of foliage motifs. These are all relatively faint, and the blade must be held in the light to see them. Cleaning could possibly improve this, but we felt it was best to leave the blade as is.

The leather scabbard has brass Officer's mounts to top, center and bottom. Unfortunately the leather has degraded quite a bit during the past 150+ years, so it is very stiff and the finish has checked and crazed. The throat and drag mounts are now loose, with the drag able to be removed. The blade has pierced the side of the drag at the bottom due to the mount sliding upwards past its original mounting point.

Clearly a Sword that was especially ordered for a serving Officer in the Civil War Era, in lovely matured condition and ready to display!

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 31 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Slightly Curved with double Fullers
Overall length: 37 1/4“
Basket dimensions: 4 1/2" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 32”

The Model 1850 Army Staff and Field Officer's Sword was carried by all members of staff departments, Field Grade officers of Artillery and Infantry, Company Grade Officers of Light Artillery, Staff Officers and Aides-de-Camp between 1850 and 1872. It was based on a French pattern. Though other swords were by regulation allowed, this model was by far the most popular sword carried by officers during the American Civil War. The Staff and Field Officers' Sword is distinct from the Model 1850 Army Foot Officer's Sword.