Schofield's sword question

[Mike Serpa]

What do we know about Major General John Schofield's sword? Is it regular issue or something special? 1873-1890 date of photo from the LOC. James N. and others.

EDIT: changed date. See post #5 below.

 

[UCVRelics]

Its a special sword. If you look close its an Indian Maiden Head sword and has all the whistles and bells to included a presentation plate on the side of the grip. It was more than likely made by Schuyler Hartley & Graham.

 

[major bill]

Interesting sword but is the 1873 date of the photo correct? I believe he would only be 41 years old in 1873 and in the photograph he looks to be older than that. I tried comparing the photo to his Civil War era photos and find it hard to believe he aged that much in a few years.

 

[UCVRelics]

it hard to believe he aged that much in a few years.

It is possible as you should see some before and afters of me after 2 years in Iraq

 

[Mike Serpa]

Its a special sword. If you look close its an Indian Maiden Head sword and has all the whistles and bells to included a presentation plate on the side of the grip. It was more than likely made by Schuyler Hartley & Graham.

Thanks!

Interesting sword but is the 1873 date of the photo correct? I believe he would only be 41 years old in 1873 and in the photograph he looks to be older than that. I tried comparing the photo to his Civil War era photos and find it hard to believe he aged that much in a few years.

Thanks for questioning the date. It was on a page with other photos that had the same number and said 1873. When I clicked on the photo it went to its own page. I should have scrolled down there because it said between 1873 and 1890. He would be 59 years in 1890. That age seems to match the man in the photo a little better. I will change the date in Post #1.

 

[James N.]

Presentation swords with non-regulation cruciform hilts were popular during the Mexican War of the 1840's and remained so. The general shape was also used greatly by fraternal societies postwar, though not with all the engraving, chasing, etc. This was a very expensive sword that no doubt came in a presentation case, probably including a heavy brocade sword belt and hangers, sash, etc.

 

[James N.]

Interesting sword but is the 1873 date of the photo correct? I believe he would only be 41 years old in 1873 and in the photograph he looks to be older than that. I tried comparing the photo to his Civil War era photos and find it hard to believe he aged that much in a few years.

This is most likely a photo of Schofield when he was Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army following the death of Phil Sheridan and before Nelson Miles took over.

 

[Seduzal]

Thanks for sharing this awesome article.