An American 1850 Pattern Staff & Field Officers Sword.
Missed out on this item? Click to view all current Antique Swords & Edged Weapons Free UK delivery on all items.
37” overall, 32 ½” slightly curved single fullered blade etched with military trophies, floral swags & 'US' on both sides, named on the other, stamped ‘W. Claublerg Solingen’ on the forte. Back edge etched ‘Iron Proof’. Gilded cast brass guard pierced with foliage & floral decoration & ‘US’, single scroll quillon & integral knucklebow joining the Phrygian helmet pommel with acanthus border, engraved ‘Lieutenant T. Ferrell, 1st Lieut. Co.C. 11 WV A.V.I.’ Fish skin grip with twisted brass wire. In its original steel & gilt brass embossed mounted scabbard.
Circa 1862
Sword in good condition, blade etching a little rubbed
On April 9 1850 the War Department adopted a standard pattern sword for all foot officers of infantry, artillery, and riflemen. It was patterned after a model then in use by the French Army and meant for company officers through the rank of captain. Officers of the rank of major and above wore the M1850 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword; the only difference between them being that the staff & field sword featured a pierced “US” in the guard. The rank distinction for the two swords, however, was rarely enforced.
1890 Federal Census of Veterans & Widows Calhoun County WV Sheridan District
Thornton Ferrell, 1st Lieut., Company "C", 11 WV Infantry. Enlisted 12/22/1861; discharged 12/24/1864. Address: Big Bend, WV. Disability Incurred: Rheumatism. Remarks: Totally disabled. Thornton Ferrell, 1st Lieut., 44. Promoted from Sergt. to 2nd Lieut. Feb. 8, 1863, to 1st Lieut, Jan. 21, 1864.
Wilhelm Clauberg, sword maker, Gasstrasse, Solingen, Prussia. 1846-1918, supplied large numbers of swords to both sides in the Civil War, probably the largest European sword supplier.