A selection of three (3) swords intended for noncombative use, including: 

1. M1860 Staff and Field Officer's sword. Chicago, Ill.: E. A. Armstrong Mfg. Co., n.d. Blade acid-etched with patriotic and foliate symbols. Ricasso etched "E. A. Armstrong / Mfg. Co. / Chicago, Ill." Blade 29 3/4 in. Overall 37 1/8 in. long.

Complete in scabbard. There is an approx. 5 1/2 in. patch of pitting and darkened patina to each side of the blade, which does not coincide with the etched portions, though smaller spots in a similar state are noted along the entire blade. The brass guard is clean and the wire-wrapped shagreen grip is entirely intact. The pommel cap and leather washer are both absent. 

The M1860 Staff and Field Officer's sword was a weapon reserved largely for ceremonial purposes through the end of the 19th century. This is a fine, American-made example, complete with a clamshell guard and intricately etched blade.

2. M1860 Staff and Field Officer's sword. Ricasso stamped "Francis Bannerman / Military Goods / New York / Germany". Blade 28 3/4 in. Overall 35 5/8 in. long.

Complete in scabbard. The blade exhibits pitting and a dark patina. Though the original brass is partially visible due to wear, the guard has been nickel-plated, as have the bracelets to the scabbard. The leather to the grip is present but worn, revealing a twine wrap around the wood beneath; the wire wrap is present and unbroken. The leather washer is absent. The nickel-plated scabbard lacks a suspension loop and the entire chape. In the latter's wake, the end of the scabbard has been flattened and partially filled with an unknown material.

Produced by an unknown manufacturer with a blade smithed in Germany, this piece bears the mark of Francis Bannerman VI, a pioneer in the army and navy surplus trade. 

3. Militia-style fraternal sword. Ricasso marked "Germany" with a small German bladesmith's mark depicting a shield and monogram. Blade 27 3/4 in. Overall 35 3/8 in. long.

Complete in scabbard. The blade exhibits uniform tonality. The guard, pommel, and scabbard, including drag, are nickel-plated, with the brass of the guard, pommel, and drag partially visible due to wear. The grip is carved bone, the pommel is a knight's helmet, and the guard is decorated with a foliate motif. Original leather washer is present.

Swords of the exact same design with blades marked by the same maker have been attributed to various fraternal orders. The history of this particular example is unknown.

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] [Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations]