US MODEL 1860 PRESENTATION GRADE OFFICER'S SWORD M.C. LILLEY C1900 STAFF FIELD

A beautiful presentation grade Model 1860 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword with a 30” blade, brass wire grip, gilded eagle engraved pommel with intricately designed hand and knuckle guard, while the cross guard features another eagle on one side and the letters 'US' on the other. This is a superb presentation grade example, with 90% bright gold gilt finish, a high quality sharkskin grip with its original wire wrap. There is a small nick to the grip. The blade is slightly discolored but bears no dents nor nicks. It has an acid-etched design on both sides of military motifs including the motto 'E Pluribus Unum.' The blade is handsomely hand engraved, with a federal eagle on the left side of the blade. Military and floral engraved motifs are present on both sides of the blade. Functioning folding guard ball and spring which does not stick. The ricasso of the blade displays the maker's mark 'M.C. Lilley and Co. Columbus OH.' Accompanied by the scabbard with no dents or scratches, and three brass clasps. Scabbard has some minor loss of chromed finish in a few places which as shown, but it is also without any dents or flaws. This variation of the M1860 presentation sword was often given high ranking officers to be worn at ceremonial events, and was not intended for action. Overall very good.

The M1860 Staff Officer's Sword by design was not intended to be battlefield  weapon.  By the Civil War, the firearm and bayonet had made the sword all but obsolete as a functional weapon.  However, the sword was still mandated by regulation and was a symbol of rank.  No longer required as a weapon, it was reduced by design in weight and size.  This made having to carry it less awkward and easier to maneuver around.  In comparison with the M1850 Staff and Field, you will notice that the M1860 is inferior; even flimsy.  It takes on more the appearance and significance of a "swagger stick" rather than a sword.

From modest beginnings in 1864, the M. C. Lilley & Company eventually became world renowned as manufacturers of regalia. The company was founded by four leading citizens of Columbus, Ohio - all veterans of the Civil War. They were Mitchell Campbell Lilley, John Siebert and brothers, Charles and Henry Lindenberg. All four men were members of the Odd Fellows and published the “Odd Fellows Companion”, a publication of the fraternal organization. Through this newsletter they received many requests from people wanting to purchase regalia. They decided to produce the items themselves and thus a company was born. The Lilley Company produced swords, banners, flags, emblems and uniforms for fraternal societies and organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias, as well as police and military uniforms.

Beginning in a small building at 253 South High Street, the Company eventually grew to occupy several large buildings at the corner of East Long and North 6th Streets. Items produced by the Company can be roughly dated by the changes in the Company’s name. From 1865 to 1881 the name was the “M. C. Lilley & Co.”. In 1882 after the death Of Mr. Lilley the name changed to “The M. C. Lilley & Co.” and remained such until 1925 when it was shortened to “The Lilley Co.”. The Company was merged with the Henderson-Ames Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1931 and the name was changed to “The Lilley-Ames Company” until 1951 when it was sold to C. E. Ward. It operated under the name of “Lilley Ames Co.” until 1953. It went out of business in 1965.

This will be shipped via UPS (United Parcel Service) with Adult Signature required upon delivery.

International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you.