High grade, non-regulation Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword with brass scabbard and regulation gold bullion saber knot. The obverse side of the scabbard is engraved: "Presented/to/Capt. L. L. Comstock/by the non-commissioned officers and privates of Co. A. 17th Regt., Michigan/Inftry Feb 1st 1863.". The sword has a 32-inch blade with frosted panels and acid-etched vine foliate engraving. The reverse of the blade is etched "US" between two floral sprays. The blade has no maker's or assembler's markings. The gold-plated brass hilt has a brass grip with cast shell designs and a twisted brass wire wrap. The two branch guard has cast floral designs but lacks the usual "US" between the guards. The brass scabbard has elaborate, highly detailed cast suspension bands. The upper band features a large relief-cast eagle and shield motif surrounded by clouds, lightning bolts and sun-rays with an oak leaf border. The lower suspension band has a relief cast Lady Liberty with a sword and United States shield with oak leaf borders. The drag has relief-cast floral designs. Brass snaps from a saber belt are attached to both suspension rings. The 17th Michigan Infantry "Stonewall Regiment" was organized in Detroit in August 1862 and saw action with the Army of the Potomac at the battles of South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. The regiment was transferred to the west and fought at sieges of Vicksburg and Knoxville. In 1864 the 17th Michigan returned to the Army of the Potomac and participated in the battles of Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Ann, Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign of 1865. The 17th Michigan lost 17 officers and 128 enlisted men killed in action or mortally wounded during the Civil War.

Very fine. The blade is in excellent condition with nearly all of the frosted finish on the engraved panels and sharp dry wire engraving. Wear is limited to some minor age spots near the tip of the blade. The hilt has been polished but retains approximately 50% of the original gold plated finish. The wire wrap is tight and complete. The scabbard has a mellow age patina. The detailed relief castings on the suspension bands and drag are sharp. The engraving is crisp and legible. The scabbard has some scattered age discoloration and one shallow dent between the lower suspension ring and the drag. The regulation bullion saber knot is tarnished and has some fraying but remains in good overall condition. This is a very fine example of a high grade, presentation, Model 1850 Staff and Field Officers Sword associated with an infantry regiment that fought in some of the most significant battles of the Civil War.