NSD - A Civil War Sword

[Kokopelli]

My wife just came home from visiting family in the south. She brought home this family heirloom. The only story behind it is that it has been in her family since the civil war. I'd appreciate any information about it and suggestions for cleaning it up. So, here is all I know. Her side of the family were in the south during the civil war. We have no idea where the sword came from or its history.

I'm thinking of cleaning it up with white vinegar. But I'm seeking professional input before any attemp at cleeaning. Any thoughts or suggestions for cleaning it up? I would look cool hanging over our fireplace. TNX

[Alan Block]

Don’t clean it up until you get a professional assessment. You will destroy any collectors value. Even if you want to retain it, the patina is so much more interesting than bare steel and brass.

[Kokopelli]

Roger that. I’ll seek advice before cleaning.

Anyone knowledgeable about civil war era swords?

[NapalmCheese]

Yup, don't clean it up. I would suggest just not cleaning it up at all. It's in good enough shape and clean enough that you can see the details and the overall form.

While I can't authenticate it, it's interesting that it's a "US" sword. Lots of times people have family in some southern state (usually Georgia or Virginia for various reasons) and come up with their 'family sword' handed down from father to son and (since they are Georgia or Virginia) it's a "CSA" sword; most of which are fakes, made well after the fact, and sold to unsuspecting people as real deal instruments of war. Much like all those shortened SxS coach guns with "Wells Fargo" emblazoned on the side (all of which are fake), unscrupulous people having been weaponizing emotion, ignorance, and naïveté to separate people from their money for ages.

That this is not a "CSA" sword makes it all the more interesting.

[SDDAVE56]

Maybe we'll see you on Antiques Road Show

[Woodymyster]

Its hard to tell if this is an authentic sword or a rusty reproduction from the few pictures, but assuming it is real... You have a model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's sword used by higher rank Infantry officers (Major and up). From the few pics, looks like yours is an import, which is normal. The officers would purchase their own swords and each model had many options for embellishments. Your sword appears to be a basic version, but in poor condition. Blade is corroded heavily, leather seems intact but is missing the triple wire wrap except for a small section connected under the pommel. Im not a fan of the crude casting of the guard, and the drag, but its hard to study from the photos. Im not trying to diminish what you have, just pointing out facts that greatly influence the value of the piece. As a family item, I assume that does not matter to you, but its still worth knowing.

Can you find any markings near the ricasso or on the back of the blade's spine near the ricasso?