Bidspirit auction | Pre-Civil War US Model 1850

Pre-Civil War US Model 1850 Presentation Sword - A unique presentation to the Director of a school or, possibly, military academy in Richmond, Philadelphia County, PA in 1853. The sword is Horstmann marked, presentation grade U.S. Model 1850 Staff & Field Officers sword with a 31” lightly curved single edged blade with profuse etching over 75% of the blades surfaces. The etched decorations contain military trophies, “U.S.” and an American eagle. The ricasso is marked ”W.H. Horstmann & Sons, Philadelphia”. The cast brass guard is of regulation form with additional engraving on the pommel. The grip is of wood, covered in sharkskin and wrapped with twisted brass wire. The scabbard is of iron with very fancy brass mounts cast in high relief having an American eagle, a stand of flags and oak leaves. Between the two ring mounts is an applied oval brass plaque containing the inscription: “Presented by the teachers of Richmond/Phila. to their Director/COL. H. MATHER/as a mark of their esteem for/his many Noble Qualities/May 2nd 1853”. . CONDITION: Very Good.