US 1860 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword With Scabbard

The US 1860 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword was a standard sidearm issued to Union officers during the American Civil War. Characterized by its slender, slightly curved blade—typically measuring around 32 inches—this sword was intended for ceremonial, dress, and limited combat use by officers of field and staff rank. The hilt often features a brass guard with decorative openwork, a wire-wrapped grip, and a pommel engraved with federal motifs such as the eagle. Accompanying the sword is a matching steel scabbard, sometimes fitted with brass mounts for attachment to a uniform belt. These swords were modeled after French military designs of the period and reflect mid-19th-century advancements in military dress and distinction. The US 1860 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword is recognized for its association with prominent Union officers and remains an important artifact for collectors and historians interested in Civil War-era military equipment.