Presentation M1850 staff & field officer's sword. Philadelphia: W. Horstmann & Sons. Ricasso stamped with maker's mark. Spine etched with likely "IRON PROOF". Blade etched with floral and patriotic motifs. Silver grip with hand-engraved designs. Approx. 40 1/2 in., blade approx. 35 in. Complete with metal scabbard with the following engraved: "To / Lieut.-Col. Henry B. Hunter / 123rd. O.V.I. / from / the officers of the regiment / 1865". 

An exquisite presentation sword highlighted by a silver grip hand-engraved with a bald eagle clutching a banner inscribed, “E Pluribus Unum.” The blade itself retains an attractive patina and exhibits a series of etched floral and patriotic devices, including a second eagle and another “E Pluribus Unum” banner. The basket guard, with “US” neatly integrated among the floral ornament, preserves a pleasing brass tone that complements the silver grip to striking effect.

This sword was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. Hunter of the 123rd Ohio Infantry, an officer whose wartime career was marked by repeated advancement and personal hardship. After earlier service with the 61st and 86th Ohio, Hunter entered the 123rd, where he was captured at Winchester on 15 June 1863. Held as a prisoner of war for more than a year, he was not exchanged until August 1864, returning to active duty only briefly before his discharge on 8 December of that year.

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]