M1850 Foot officer’s sword used by George L. Childs of the 67th Ohio Infantry. Childs enlisted in 1861 as a Lieutenant, but by the end of the war had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel for “gallant and meritorious service.” Childs was wounded at least four times during his service, once alongside the 54th Massachusetts during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner (made famous by the film “Glory). Childs had the distinction of being the last-living officer of the 67th Ohio, dying well into the 1900s.

The sword itself is a standard foot officer’s sword dated 1861. Though assembled by Collins & Co. in Connecticut, one of the scabbard’s mounts is stamped “HG Hamlin Jr,” a retail firm in Cincinnati, Ohio. The blade’s etching, replete with patriotic motifs, is faded but present. Its drag is a period replacement, likely substituted after heavy use. Grip has been re-wrapped. On the underside of the guard, Childs etched his name in period script, which has a warm brown patina.

Many high-grade swords were essentially jewelry, worn at dress parades and in a photographer’s studio. The sword offered here likely saw real field use by an officer who was heavily engaged throughout the duration of his service.


[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Sword, Saber, Clauberg, Ames, Ball and Black]