US MILITIA NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S SWORD C.1850

One of the many variants (see The American Sword, Peterson #11 and #12) which were purchased by state militias before, during, and after the Civil War. Type which served extensively in the Civil War as the military was comprised to a great extent of state militias. Used by Southern militias as well as Northern, these were drawn into the Civil War on both sides. 25 3/8" straight double edged blade marked 23 at the base. Brass hilt with cruciform guard and shield form langets, with a plumed helmet pommel and reeded bone grip. Brass mounted steel scabbard, blued and now turned to brown.