Description
This is an excellent and exceptional example of the US Model 1840 Medical Staff Officer sword as carried by Surgeons and Doctors in the American Civil War. The deeply etched blade is 3/4 etched with florals, scrolls, US motif and the not typically seen Caduceus on the blade. The caduceus is the traditional symbol of Hermes and features two snakes winding around an often winged staff. It is often mistakenly used as a symbol of medicine instead of the Rod of Asclepius, especially in the United States. Perhaps one in 100 of these swords have etching like that. The “MS” letters, unlike most (separately applied) are integrally cast into the hilt. The finely adorned brass mounted, brass scabbard is in excellent overall condition. This is a fine example of a scarce Civil War pattern that would display very well in any edged weapons collection of the American Civil War.
