This edged weapon is the classic pre-Civil War style specimen that the U.S. Ordnance Department designated as the Noncommissioned Officer’s Sword, Model 1840. An original mid-war piece, this Emerson and Silver contract NCO sword was produced by their Trenton, New Jersey firm during the Civil War.

Dated 1863, the sword features a 32” long, semi-bright, straight, single-edged blade in good condition. Blade bears a single broad fuller that extends from the ricasso to just near the point or tip. Obverse ricasso displays the stampings“US / DFM / 1863”while the reverse ricasso exhibits the maker’s mark“EMERSON(in an arc)/ & SILVER / TRENTON / NJ”.

The hefty, cast brass hilt is tight and features an imitation wire-wrapped ribbed grip. Pommel is globular with a capstan-style rivet. Weapon retains its original red felt pad or washer at the hilt. At the point where the knucklebow / quillon crosses the blade there sits a brass cast, double kidney-shaped counterguard. Blade and brass on the sword appear to have not been cleaned but has been left in original condition - a fine, light mellow patina overall.

Sword comes complete with its original, iron scabbard that was japanned but most of the blacking has been flaked off. Scabbard retains its strongly secured brass throat ((BUT IS BENT ON ONE SIDE)) with a hook attachment for the frog. Brass drag bears the government inspector’s mark of“DFM”and has accumulated a rich bronze patina.