Sword w/ scabbard: floral design

1861-1865

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Steel, brass, fish skin; steel

Overall: 38 1/2 x 5 x 3 5/8 in. ( 97.8 x 12.7 x 9.2 cm )

Gift of Mrs. Augustus Van Horne Ellis

1942.149ab

According to the accession records, this sword and four others donated by Mrs. Augustus Van Horne Ellis were used in the Battle of Gettysburg by members of the Ellis family: Colonel Augustus Van Horne Ellis and Julius Livingston Ellis, who were killed in the battle, John Stoneacre Ellis, Henry Ashfield Ellis, and Samuel Claudius Ellis.

DescriptionSword with curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; brass half-basket hilt with two branches on obverse side; grip covered in fish skin and originally wrapped with wire; helmet-shaped pommel with leaf border centering a flower; steel scabbard with two carrying rings and asymmetrical drag.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade below hilt: "W. H. / Horstmann / & Sons / Philadelphia"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD