Model 1860 Staff Field Officer Sword for sale in Texas

$675.00

Model 1860 Staff & Field Officers Sword

Origins and Adoption (1860):
The Model 1860 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword was officially adopted by the US Army as a ceremonial and service weapon for officers. It was a development from the Model 1850 series but refined for senior officers, incorporating European-inspired embellishments and lighter construction.

Civil War Era:
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), many officers purchased their own swords privately, leading to a variety of ornate examples from different makers. The sword was more a badge of office than a practical weapon, worn during parades, inspections, and formal duties.

Post-war Use:
After the Civil War, the Model 1860 remained in use into the late nineteenth century, gradually transitioning into a purely ceremonial item. Its aesthetic influence carried into the early twentieth century with later ceremonial officer’s sabres.

Manufacturing Variations:
While Ames produced most government-issue examples, high-ranking officers often commissioned more elaborate versions from firms like Tiffany & Co. These could feature gilt hilts, etched blades, and presentation inscriptions.