Lot 117

W.H. Horstmann & Sons American Civil War Era Presentation Sword US Model 1850

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W.H. Horstmann & Sons American Civil War Era Presentation Sword US Model 1850

Estimate: $1,000 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $500

(0 Bids)

by Akiba Galleries
July 7, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
3 N. Federal Highway
Dania Beach, FL, US 33004

W.H. Horstmann & Sons American Civil War Era Presentation Sword US Model 1850
c. 1862, USA
This weapon is a Civil War presentation piece US Model 1850 Foot Officer's sword. The recipient: Carried by 2nd Lieutenant Horace Wood of the New York State Volunteers (NYSV). Hand presented to him by his hometown supporters in Moira, New York before his deployment. Military archives confirm that 2nd Lieutenant Horace Wood served in Company G of the 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry. **The custom, hand-engraved hometown inscription dedicated to a specific Union officer (2nd Lieutenant Horace Wood, 142d NYSV) immediately triples the baseline value because the artifact can be traced directly to an individual.
**The official American Civil War service records confirm that Horace Wood served as Second Lieutenant of Company G of the 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry. He was presented this sword by his friends and hometown supporters in Moira, New York upon his commissioning in 1862. Tragically, Lt. Wood died of disease on January 17, 1863 — just months into his service — and was replaced in the regimental officer rolls per official records: "First Sergeant James K. Thompson, Second Lieutenant, vice Horace Wood deceased." Overview of Lieutenant Wood's War Record: According to the New York State Military Museum and the regimental records of the 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant Wood's service dossier highlights include: Rank: 2nd Lieutenant, Company G. Recruitment Area: St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, northern New York. Mustered Into U.S. Service: September 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg, NY, for three years of service. Subordinate Officers in Company G: Captain Marvin Potter; First Lieutenant Franklin F. Brown; Second Lieutenant Horace Wood. Service History of His Unit (1862–1865): If you are tracking the regiment's movements through the war, the 142nd New York Infantry had a notable combat record: Washington Garrison (October 1862): The regiment left for Washington on October 6, 1862, where it was stationed through the winter. Suffolk, Virginia (Spring 1863): The regiment was ordered to Suffolk, Va., in April 1863 — after Lt. Wood had already passed away in January of that year. Morris Island, South Carolina (August 1863): The regiment arrived on Morris Island in Charleston Harbor on August 17, 1863. Drewry's Bluff & Bermuda Hundred (1864): Assigned to Butler's Army of the James, the regiment suffered significant casualties — 19 killed, 78 wounded, and 22 missing. Fort Fisher, North Carolina (December 1864 – January 1865): The regiment participated in both the first and second assaults on Fort Fisher, suffering 20 killed and wounded in December and 79 killed and wounded in January.
A sword presented but never carried into sustained combat. Lt. Wood died of disease on January 17, 1863, just months after receiving this presentation piece — its fine condition a reflection of that tragically brief service life.

  • Dimensions: Total length: 36" / blade: 30.25" / handle: 5.25
  • Condition: The blade and brass are beautifully preserved (needs cleaning), The scabbard has flaking, and surface loss.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $24,999 $1,000
$25,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $249,999 $10,000
$250,000 + $25,000