The name manufacturer on the sword was W.H. Horstmann & Sons Company I suspect that this is a 1860s-1870s Civil War era Model 1850 cavalry officer's presentation/ceremonial sword. There is no dedication inscription that I can see, This sword was not intended for combat use as the materials and decorative elements are more elaborate than those on the regulation field swords.
The sword and scabbard are 41" long.
One day, a friend on mine called and said that he knew of a widow who was trying to clean house after her husband death. Apparently he was a small time collector mostly of pistols but he also had a collection of knifes and swords. I went to look mostly at the pistols. The sword had a tag on it saying that it was from the Civil War. I bought it from her not knowing anything about swords.
Hello Andre,
Thank you for choosing Mearto for your online appraisal.
This is a highly ornamented sword with a blade made of 1065 high carbon steel. Pommel, features with no wire wrapped leather handle as they typically have. This model 1850 and 180w Army Staff and Field Officer's Sword were 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.
Upon physical inspection and with no documents, this is a reproduction of an original sword. Mearto offers authentication services for an additional fee.
No further authentication services needed. It came from a closet and its going back to a closet. Thank you.