AMERICAN MILITIA NCO SWORD C.1850-60

The type that served in the Civil War. See Peterson, The American Sword, #11 where he notes that many of these are pictured serving, in surviving Civil War photographs. 27” d.e. blade in excellent preservation with original cross polish. Brass hilt with plumed helmet pommel and bow tie cross guard, both with much original bright gold finish.  Reeded bone grip with old typical shallow chipping along the top. Brass mounted scabbard lacks the tip mount and does not accept the last 1” of the blade due to leather shrinkage. At the outbreak of the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces were comprised mostly of state militia units, for which this sword was made.