U.S. Model 1850 NCO Sword
United States
Ca. 1850 - 1870
Steel, bone, pewter, iron, leather
Blade: 71,1cm
Hilt & Blade: 87cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 89,5cm
Collection Date: 2010
Collection Number: 118

Ex. American Art Market (2010)

Model 1850 NCO (Non- Commissioned Officer's) sword dating from around 1850 to 1870. After the U.S. Civil War, many were personalized during the late 19th century for Masonic orders, including the Knights of Pythias and Knights Templar fraternities. This example remained a Civil War original that could have served either side of the state militias.

The long slender steel blade is double- edged of German manufacturer stamped at the base of a knight's head. The stamp is reminiscent of W. Clauberg (Wilhelm Clauberg) of Solingen, Germany. The guard casted of pewter of an eagle spreading its wings into the quillions holding a liberty shield. Fluted bone central grip and cast eagle pommel. Originally covered in a brass or gold gilt, now with very little remnants remaining. Iron sheath with the locket having a belt frog stud and an iron chape. Most of the leather exterior has now deteriorated and missing. One of the many variations of the model 1850 Civil War militia swords.

[1] https://www.faganarms.com/products/fine-civil-war-militia-non-commissioned-officer-s-sword

[2] https://www.faganarms.com/products/civil-war-militia-non-commissioned-officer-s-sword

[3] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/nice-model-1850-american-militia-officers-sword-i-1684b60bcb