Sword

1861-1865

Steel, brass, fish skin; steel, brass

Overall: 38 3/4 x 5 x 3 in. ( 98.4 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm )

Gift of Louis Charles Wills

1948.19ab

According to the accession records, this sword belonged to the donor's father, Major Anthony Wills, who served in the 28th Regiment, Brooklyn, during the Civil War.

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse (now obscured by rust); brass hilt with grip covered in gray fish skin and wrapped with wire; oval counter-guard with openwork flower and scroll design on obverse side and quillon with flat-sided globular finial; helmet-shaped pommel with leaf border centering a flower; blackened steel scabbard with brass mounts consisting of upper band with carrying ring, middle band with carrying ring, and tip with symmetrical drag.

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD