Regulation Horstmann Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword. The sword has a 31-inch, slightly curved, double fuller blade. The blade is decorated with acid-etched floral designs and surrounding "US" on the reverse of the blade and an American Eagle and Shield with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in a ribbon on the obverse. "W.H" HORSTMANN" is etched on the reverse ricasso. The regulation cast brass guard has a ribbed knuckle bow pierced for a sword knot and a pierced counter-guard decorated with branches and scrolls. The Phrygian helmet pommel is decorated along the back with a cast spray of oak leaves. The wooden grip is covered with shark skin and wrapped with twisted brass wire. The top of the guard is engraved with the inscription: "Cap't. J.C. Lynch" and "3rd Irish Regt./ N.Y.S.V.". The "3rd Regiment, Irish Brigade", also designated the "63nd New York Infantry", was organized in New York City in 1861 and assigned to Meagher's Irish Brigade, Army of the Potomac, in 1862. The Irish Brigade and the 3rd Irish Regiment fought with distinction in the Peninsular Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and the Siege of Petersburg. The regiment was present when the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered at Appomattox Court House. The 3rd Irish Regiment lost 15 officers and 141 enlisted men killed in action or mortally wounded. One officer and 92 enlisted men died of disease. John Lynch is listed as a member of the 63rd New York Infantry on The National Park Service Civil War Soldiers and Sailors web site. Captain Lynch's Civil War service records should be relatively easy to obtain.

Fair. The sword blade has never been cleaned and has even covering of light surface rust. The blade is free from pitting and has no nicks in the edge. The brass guard has an even patina and has not been cleaned. The guard has no traces of the original gold plated finish. The shark skin grip and twisted wire wrap are both intact and show moderate handling wear. The sword is missing the scabbard. This is a solid example of a regulation M1850 Foot Officer's Sword inscribed with the owner's name and regiment. The hard fighting Irish Brigade was one of the most famous units of the Army of the Potomac. Research could show that this sword was carried in most of the important battles of the Civil War.