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The Army adopted this sword on April 9, 1850 for all staff officers of Infantry, Artillery, and the Regiment of Riflemen. It was carried by many officers until 1872 when the frail 1860 pattern sword became regulation. W. H. Horstmann & Sons, Philadelphia, PA sold this particular sword. The Blade has the ancient “King’s Head” mark owned by the sword maker, Weyersberg, of Solingen. The heavy engraving on the blade includes an obvious “W.H. Horstman and Sons, Philadelphia”. Interestingly, the scabbard has a clear scroll-like marking, “Horstmann & Sons \ Makers \ Philadelphia”. Obviously, the blade was imported by Horstmann, but the engraving of the blade, the manufacture of the ornate scabbard, and the brass hilt of the sword were done in this country by Horstmann. The brass knuckle-bow hilt, has a half basket design counter-guard, with disc quillon. The guard is engraved with leaves and a “U.S.”. The grips are wood, covered with fish skin, and wound with gilt wire. The pommel is decorated
with floral sprays, and an U.S. shield. The obverse side of the curved blade is deeply engraved with many floral designs, various military trophies, an eagle, “E Pluribus Unum” and the manufacturer’s name. Looking at the reverse side you will find more flags, “U. S.” The Adjutant General ‘s insignia, and floral designs. The back of the blade shows “Iron Proof’. The blued scabbard has two brass carrying rings, manufacturer’s name on the brass throat, and a brass drag. General Stonewall Jackson carried a very similar sword sold by the same company. The Jackson sword is in the Confederate Museum in Richmond, VA. Mr. Robert F. Hancock, Senior Curator of the museum, examined the Jackson sword and confirmed that the
markings are the same. A picture of the Jackson sword is in this notebook.
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