Second half of the 19th century. Modeled after the 1860 staff and field officer’s sword, as many were, with the guard motif of H & K flanking the Irish Harp. That motif is a firebrand for Irish patriotism, translated verbally as Ireland Forever. The significance of the H K is lost to us after significant research however, this is the period of fierce Irish American patriotism and unity in defense against Anti-Irish sentiment, probably best illustrated by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, also known as the Molly Maguires. That, of course, is a simplification of a much more complex socio-economic situation. 28” d.e. blade unmarked but for a stamped 29. Plated scabbard with fine gilt suspension chains. Almost certainly from Pennsylvania, the stronghold of Irish American activism, where twenty Molly Maguires were hanged in 1877-78 for murder and other crimes.
