Antique American Civil War N.C.O. Militia Infantry Officer's Sword
Antique 19th century, Civil War period, American N.C.O. or Sergeant's militia infantry officer's sword & scabbard. They were carried by sergeants who led in battle. At the onset of the Civil War, the U.S. standing Army comprised 16,000 men only. A defense force of 75,000 was created by calling up the militias. It was the militias that formed the Northern defense and response to the Southern attack. This sword dates among the earliest of these and surely saw service in the Civil War. Used also by Southern militias as well as Northern, these were drawn into the Civil War on both sides.
DETAILS: A straight, double-edged plane steel blade with an elliptical cross-section, an elaborate hilt comprises brass cross-guard with central quillon block decorated with leaves and scrolls, and shield-shaped langets. Robust bone grip surmounted by gold pained white metal Knight's plumed helmet pommel. Iron scabbard mounted with suspension ring.
Painted gold and made of white metal, not brass, the knight's helmet strongly suggests a Civil War production as brass was used on a large scale for the production of military equipment, and the consequence was a shortage of this metal.
MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length: 89 cm (35.04 inches)
Overall length without the scabbard: 81 cm (31.89 inches)
CONDITION: bone grip in good preservation, with age cracks (as common in these materials) and lovely patina, iron scabbard with some dents, and absence of mouthpiece.
These are signs of age and usage that can be expected from an over 155-year-old combat sword. Please see the photos as they are a part of the description.
REFERENCES:
1. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres by Harvey J. S. Withers. Page 178
2. Swords and Hilt Weapons: Peter Connolly, Michael D. Coe. Page 108
3. The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Knives, Swords, Spears & Daggers by Harvey J. S. Withers and Tobias Capwell. Page 312
Please see the picture attached to the listing.
The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.
