SOLD - Model 1852 US Navy Staff Officer's Sword

Description

1/25/18 - This is a rare and original model 1852 US Navy Staff Officer's sword from the Civil War era.  The sword is engraved and Navy marked, and comes with the original scabbard and strap.  The consignor for this item was able to find records on the original owner of this weapon (John Wyckoff Lyon), as his name is engraved on the crossguard.  Records show he enlisted in 1864, so he likely saw action in the Civil War and carried this sword during or immediately after that.  These swords had to be privately purchased by the officer as they were not provided by the Navy, and that's why so many of the soldiers carried cavalry sabers instead.  Navy marked swords such as these are significantly more rare than Army, with about 1 Navy for every 20 Army swords.  The blade itself is in good shape, and the engravings are still pretty clearly visible.  The scabbard shows notable wear, and the tip of the scabbard has separated from the base over time.  The belt is still fully intact but does show a visible tear in one strap.  The spine of the sword is marked IRON PROOF, which denotes European manufacture, likely Germany.