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Medical Staff Sword Model 1840 (HLP 140)
This sword was adopted by the Medical Staff in 1840. The early specimens have heavier blades, elliptical in cross section. Those made after the Civil War had blades with a diamond cross section. This particular sword is pre-Civil War and the hilt is made of gilded brass. The hilt consists of three cast pieces: the grips, pommel and guard. An American eagle is on the obverse side of the grip. The shield bears the letters, ”MS”, for “Medical Staff”. On the straight blades obverse side you will find “United States Medical Staff” along with floral design. The manufacturer’s name, W. H. Horstmann & Sons is just below the shield. On the reverse side there are engraved floral designs and an American eagle along with “Philadelphia” The gilded brass scabbard has three carrying rings, heavily engraved brass throat, band and drag. Unfortunately, this sword has deep rust on both sides of the blade in the lower half. Someone must have left water in the scabbord. The rest of the sword is perfect. The pictures below show the words on the blade.
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