Posted 9 years ago
Chrisnp
(310 items)
The 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword was more a badge of rank than a useful weapon, and many field grade officers on campaign during the Civil War held onto the more battle-worthy 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s sword. Nonetheless, the Model 1860 endured. In 1872 it was adopted for all Army officers except medical officers, paymasters and mounted officers, the latter being equipped with the then new 1872 cavalry officer’s saber. In some post-1872 publications, the sword is often referred to as the “Foot & Staff Officer’s Sword” or the “Staff & Line Officer’s Sword”, as I’ve titled this post. The sword was eventually replaced by the Model 1902 Officers Saber, shown in my last post.
My sword has all the markings of a post-1872 issue sword; the three-ring scabbard and a blade that is diamond shaped in cross section. The metal parts of the hilt are brass with a steel catch for the folding clamshell guard. The folding clamshell allowed the sword to be worn more comfortably against the hip. This scabbard is also steel, with nice speckled plumb brown patina and brass drag and ring furniture. The grip is wire wrapped fish skin, probably ray or shark. The manufacturer’s name is on a panel near the hilt “THE PETTIBONE MFG.CO. CINCINNATI, OH” this dates the sword to between 1871-1900.
The sword and scabbard are highly decorated throughout: The pommel is decorated with an eagle and Federal Shield, with a blank tablet (possibly for optional initials) on the reverse. The front clamshell shows the American eagle with arrows and olive branch in its talons surmounted by the Federal Shield in front of a stand of colors. The back clamshell has the Federal Shield in front of a trophy of arms and oak and laurel branches. The outward side of the blade is etched with floral sprays, stands of military trophies, and “U.S.” initials in block letters at midpoint. The reverse side is the same, except the “U.S.” is replaced by an American Eagle with federal shield. The guard and scabbard ring furniture have floral sprays, and the drag at the scabbard tip features a stand of colors on one side and a star on the reverse.
![[GN1-04-4-12] Japanese Sword: Papered Kanemoto Katana in Shirasaya w Gold Mei](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/a4AAAOSwBg1mIA1H/s-l225.jpg)
Good poste Chris. Just sorry that there is too much going on for me to really give this quality time to talk. Catch up with you later.
Always great to see your items and read the detailed descriptions. We can always use a be more militaria around here.
Chrisnp... Good morning and Happy Holidays. I have a question.... I have several pins, military type, crests / insignia that I am trying to identify. Do you have a recommended website for ID purposes? Thanks in advance.
Good description of this sword.
While it is called the M1860, the vast majority found today can be confirmed to be post war production (as with your Pettibone).
scott
Thanks blunder. I noticed you weren’t your usual talkative self. Hope all is good down there.
Fortapache, Last year I made a new year’s resolution to do at least one post a week with the goal of having my whole collection online eventually. I’m very pleased that I’ve managed to keep my resolution through so far. I hope you continue to enjoy my posts.
DrFluffy (great cat/web name!) I’m a bit old school, so most of my “go-to” places are reference books and not the net. If you are talking about those enameled unit crests, the best advice I can give you is if there is a motto on the crest, google the motto and you can often find the unit. If you are talking about branch insignia, etc. You can check out the Army Institute of Heraldry below. It lacks historical depth, but it’s accurate and pretty complete. Of course you can always post them here. I enjoy identifying them. http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Catalog/Category.aspx?grp=2&menu=Uniformed Services
Scott, absolutely agree. A smaller percentage of Civil War officers were authorized to wear the 1860 S&F, it wasn’t mandatory then, and not all that popular, so far less were produced 1860-‘65 than in the next 37 years. Fortunately most of the later ones are easy to pick out, like the one above.
Thanks and happy holidays to all of you.
Chris
Chris, had the flu or that chicken gumbo virus the mosquitoes have added to their menu of diseases. Had to work while recovering & now my trusty steed gave me a close up view of the sidewalk when the front wheel decided it was tired of rolling straight all the time & rolled to the left on something. I'll be my normal obnoxious self soon enough.
Chris, Thank you for the guidance. I will check it out...
Thanks for this post, hope you are still following. I have a Model 1860 sword and am looking for information. In all respects, it matches your description, with the following notes: On the ricasso, there's no maker's mark, simply engraved "Made in Germany". The guard has a folding clamshell, but the catch is missing. Blade engraving, I think, is rather low relief, but appears to be regulation. Can you tell me anything about the sword and current market?