SOLD - Very Nice U.S. Model 1860 Field Officer's Sword - Horstmann Philadelphia

Description

8/11/26 - This is a very nice example of a Model 1860 Staff and Field Officer's Sword manufactured by W.H. Horstmann & Sons of Philadelphia. The blade has a beautiful etching on both sides, one of which bears "U.S." among the intricate design, while the other side has an empty box for which a soldier's name can be engraved. The etching towards the ricasso says "Horstmann / Philadelphia" which was used on this type of officer's sword between 1893 and 1902. On one side of the ricasso, it has the Horstmann "h" crest, while on the other side has the "Germany" import mark for the blade. While Horstmann assembled and personalized military swords, they imported steel blades from Germany, most commonly from the historical master forges in Solingen. The blade has a very light patina in some spots with a bright finish overall.

The hilt has a beautiful clamshell guard with smooth travel and is securely affixed. The sword has the proper dark shagreen grip with a brass wire tightly twisted around the grip. Shagreen is the period-correct grip material made from sharkskin or ray skin. The pommel is tight at the base of the grip with no play. The brass on the hilt has a beautiful patina present. The scabbard is in good condition with some freckling present over the entirety of the scabbard. It does appear that there may be some corrosion below the surface on one side of the scabbard. The scabbard has the proper two hanger loops, as well as the brass fitting on the tip of the scabbard. Overall this sword and scabbard are in very nice condition.