CIVIL WAR INFANTRY OFFICER’S SWORD C.1848

Model sourced by both the North and South, the French 1845 pattern after which the US 1850 model was copied directly. The shortage of weapons and the fact that officers purchased and owned their swords, resulted in a flow of these from retired French officers, as they matched American specifications and France was at peace. This example has a 30 ½” blade with French arsenal inscription including the issue date of 1848. It has a wire wrapped horn grip and pierced guard of standard pattern. It may have served a Confederate or Union officer.