Non-regulation Civil War staff and field officer's sword. [Newark, New Jersey: Henry Sauerbier, n.d.] Overall approx. in., blade approx. 31 1/8 in. long. 

This is a fine example of a Civil War-era officer's sword with two mother-of-pearl inlays in the form of a Federal shield and a profile bust view of George Washington to the pommel, the latter to the cap. The guard takes the form of an eagle atop a Federal shield, surrounded by 8 flags and 13 five-pointed stars. Though it lacks a maker's mark, this sword was certainly the work of Henry Sauerbier per the distinctive fuller and styled etchings. 

Complete in its steel scabbard with ornate brass mounts, the sword is in very fine condition. The blade exhibits very subtle salt-and-pepper darkening throughout but retains clear etchings and a light tone overall. The guard, pommel, and scabbard mounts retain significantly their gold gilding, and the mother-of-pearl elements are entirely without chips, cracks or wear. The original black leather grip evidences only very slight losses and the 16 wraps of triple-strand wire, the center wire twisted, are completely intact. The original buff leather washer is present. While the upper half displays its original finish, the scabbard below the center mount reveals the grey-patinated steel beneath, and the mounts have taken on a mustard-brown patina wherever the gold has worn away.

Though nonetheless intricate, the etchings, mostly foliates, are somewhat sparing in their symbolism, with only a large "US," sword and flag to the obverse and an "E Pluribus Unum" ribband to the reverse. 

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]