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US M1850 FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,300.00 USD
US M1850 FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN
BAETZEL OF CO. D 54TH NEW YORK. Overall length: 38". Blade length: 31 1/2". Blade has a single wide fuller and a secondary fuller near the spine. The blade is etched over 2/3 of its length with various foliate motifs and a large “US”. The spine of the blade is etched “IRON PROOF”. Gilded brass hilt with floral & foliate decorated pierced guard, plain knuckle bow & foliate embellished pommel. Wire wrapped sharkskin grip. Gilded brass mounted leather scabbard. The top mount is engraved, “Capt. J. G. Baetzel from Members of Union Guards Co. D. 54th Regt. Apr. 23d 1867.” Baetzel was a member of the 54th New York Infantry and attained the rank of Captain in 1864. After leaving the Army, he ran the family brewing company in Rochester, New York after the death of his father in 1870. CONDITION: blade etching is good, but there is some oxidation showing. Hilt retains areas of the original gilded finish. Grip shows wear but is complete. Wire is 100%. Scabbard mounts show traces of gilded finish with some shallow dents on the throat & drag. The scabbard body has been reinforced with epoxy resin. (02-19238/BF). $900-1,300.