M1852 naval officer's sword. Newark, New Jersey: Henry Sauerbier, n.d. Overall 34 in., blade 28 3/8 in. long.

While model 1852 naval officers' swords marked by Sauerbier are scarce in their own right, this example sets itself apart from others with a grip of pewter stamped to imitate the usual shagreen and a metal scabbard as opposed to the standard leather. The scabbard nonetheless features the pattern knots to the mounts and dolphin to the drag, and the grip retains the triple-strand wire wrap with central strand twisted.

The blade is acid-etched overall with foliates, with an American flag and large block "US" to the obverse, and with an anchor, "E Pluribus / Unum" ribband, and maker's mark "H / Sauerbier / Newark / N.J." to the reverse.

Complete in an untouched metal scabbard including the original mounts and screws. The blade and hilt brass have both taken on a darker tone, though traces of the gold gilding to the pommel and guard remain. The original red washer is present. 

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]