M1850 Foot Officer's sword. Philadelphia: Horstmann, ca. 1861. Ricasso obverse stamped "PHILADELPHIA" and reverse stamped "HORSTMANN" above illegible text. Blade is etched with floral and patriotic motifs. Approx. 36 in., blade approx. 30 3/4 in. Complete with shagreen scabbard engraved with "Louis Blenker / 8th N.Y.V.I." With metal informational plaque. 

INSCRIBED SWORD BELONGING TO LOUIS BLENKER, COLONEL OF 8TH NEW YORK

A fine example of a Horstmann sword that shows actual evidence of use during the Civil War. 

Louis Blenker (1812–1863) was a German-born soldier and political exile who became one of the more prominent immigrant officers to serve the Union during the Civil War. A veteran of the European revolutions of 1848, he brought both military experience and a distinctly continental style of command to the United States, where he settled in New York and became active in Republican politics and the German-American community. At the outbreak of war, he raised and led the 8th New York Infantry, later earning promotion to brigadier general after First Bull Run. Blenker went on to command a division composed largely of German-speaking troops, but his career became increasingly controversial amid complaints over supply problems, administrative disorder, and questions about his leadership. His health deteriorated during the rigors of campaign service, and after being injured in a fall from his horse, he died in 1863, leaving behind a mixed but significant legacy as an emblematic Union ethnic officer.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades]