Upon 1st look one would assume that this is a medical staff officer sword from the Civil War. When you look closer you see that this one is much more rare than its medical counterpart. This is the rare sword that was designed for use by the Pay Department officer. This pattern of sword is written about and illustrated on pages 173 to 177 in the book on Army Swords of the Civil War by John Tillmann. Officially known as the model 1840 pay department officer sword. Since you seldom encounter one they evidently were not very popular with the soldiers but they are quite treasured by collectors. In the book they state that "Because the Pay Department was a very small service, the surviving swords are very scarce." He says that they were only able to examine 4 Pay Department swords which tells you how scarce they are. On the cross guard of the sword it has the shield style design with the "PD" on the stippled background. This is the area where the medical officer swords of the day will have the "MD" or "MS" lettering. The handle on this sword would have originally been held together by a screw style acorn capstan nut. During the time of use, they removed the nut and peened the blade in place. This has been this way for eons. The rest of the handle of the sword is constructed of brass and is virtually identical to the medical department swords of the day. The blade of the sword is slightly different as well. The sword blade is full-length at 28 inches and has the floral and patriotic designs on each side. If you notice the blade only has military designs and none of the medical style designs. On the one side it has the vividly clear "United States Pay Department". The front of the blade of this sword has the maker's Mark of Horstmann and Sons of Philadelphia. It also has the Eagle with the "E PLURIBUS UNUM" motto. The sword is accompanied by the original scabbard which is constructed entirely of brass. The scabbard has both mounts intact as well as as all 3 of the rings, throat and drag. This is a rare Civil War sword and this one is very pretty. Don't miss your opportunity

Print Email to a friend

Order Information

Please contact us if you have any questions before you place an order. 731-438-3541 Extension #3

Terms of Sale

All items are described to the best of our ability. Remember that the only true experts died 100 years ago. If we make a mistake we will make it right. It is always best to call and reserve an item as most of them are unique. We do out best to keep the web-site up-to-date but sometimes items sell out of the shop or at a show and aren't removed immediately. After you place your order and receive confirmation from Shiloh Relics. The item will be held for 7 days for the payment to arrive. If payment is not received within 7 days the item will be placed back for sale. Please call between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time. A minimum charge of $10.00 will be added to cover shipping. Items can be shipped UPS or USPS Priority Mail. Tennessee residents must include 9.75% sales tax. All items are 100% GUARANTEED. If for any reason you are unhappy with the relic just return it UNALTERED within 5 days for a refund minus shipping charges and restocking fee of 6%. Layaways can be arranged on items over $100. Layaway terms are; 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days with balance due in full in 60 days. Due to time factors there are no refunds or price discounts on layaways. Only 1 item may be in lay-a-way at a time unless approved by Shiloh Relics. We reserve the right to refuse service to rude people. We are always buying and trading so feel free to make an offer. Thanks for stopping by! Rafael Eledge, Owner of ShilohRelics.com.

Payment Information

Checks, Money Orders , Major Credit Cards , Layaway

Authenticity

I guarantee all my items to be authentic and as described. All items are Guaranteed to be Authentic without time limit to the original purchaser for the price purchased as long as the item is accompanied by the original receipt or bill of sale.

Shipping Information

We use the United States Postal Service or United Parcel Service for all shipping. Insurance is included in all shipping costs to protect your item. We am happy to combine items to reduce the shipping cost please let us know if you have placed multiple orders.