Superb Civil War German-Made Staff and Field Officers' Sword Presented to Lt. W. H. Leonard, Adjutant, 8th Maryland Volunteer Infantry. 32-inch slight curved blade marked "W. / CLAUBERG / [Knight logo] / SOLINGEN" on the reverse ricasso and "IRON PROOF" on the back of the blade. The blade's reverse is etched with ornate foliate scroll and the inscription "PRO VIRTUTE BELLICA" (For Valor in War) below which is a spread-wing eagle perched on a shield. The obverse is etched with a panoply of arms, a "US", foliate scroll and the Maryland state seal. Gilded brass hilt with half-basket guard pierced with oak leaf and acorn motif and "US". Eagle head quillon. Forward part of pommel with a U.S. eagle design; engraved pommel cap accented with a central glass stone surrounded by 16 small glass drops. Silvered-brass grip ornately cast on the right panel with Lady Columbia and on the left with floral designs and large ruby-red glass drop. German-silver scabbard with ornate gilded-brass mounts. The upper obverse mount features a spread-wing eagle perched on a sword; the lower mount a panoply of arms and the drag a soldier holding a rifle with two flags in the background. The reverse of the mounts are engraved with simple geometric scroll; the lower mount with a "US". The upper is engraved with the presentation "Presented to / Lieut. W. H. Leonard / Adjt. 8th Md Vol. Infy / by the members of the Regt / March 1865".

William H. Leonard enlisted as a 1st Sergeant in Baltimore on August 28, 1862 at the age of 24. He was promoted Lieutenant April 12, 1864, Adjutant December 14, 1864 and breveted Captain April 1, 1865.


Condition: Excellent. The blade is smooth and bright, retaining traces of the gilt behind the engraving. A few pinprick pits on either side of the tip. The hilt retains approximately 50% original gilt. The glass drop on the grip is cracked. The scabbard has a few shallow dents with a few shallow dents on the brass drag.