This presentation variation of the Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's sword has a 32 1/2 inch lightly curved Damascus blade with gold backed patriotic etching which includes "for the Union" around "US" on the left and the seal of the U.S. on the right accented by scrollwork. The spine is etched with "IRON PROOF" also finished in gold. The left ricasso has a W. Clauberg maker's mark. The hilt is gilded brass with a bald eagle battling a snake on the guard and is engraved on both the front and back, bust of Columbia the palm side of the pommel, and scroll accents. The grip is beautifully carved and checkered antique ivory with an intricate representation of Columbia under thirteen stars. The scabbard has a silver plated body and gilded brass accents with patriotic, floral, and martial patterns including another bust of Columbia on the lower suspension ring band. The backside of the scabbard has the following inscription between the suspension bands: "Presented to/Lt. J. Strunk/by the members of Co B/2d. Vet. Cav. NYV." Joseph Strunk first enlisted on May 17, 1861, as a sergeant in Company A of the 18th New York Infantry and was promoted on December 9, 1862, to 2nd lieutenant. He mustered out on May 28, 1863, and then joined the 2nd Regiment Veteran Cavalry, New York State Volunteers on August 26, 1863, at Saratoga and was mustered in as a first lieutenant in Co. B. He was commissioned a captain on December 14, 1863, indicating the sword was presented between August and December of 1863. His company mustered out on November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Alabama. At least one source indicates he was breveted a major. The 2nd was glorified in the New York Times on May 8, 1864, with the correspondent noting "a nobler or braver set of men never stood up for freedom and justice, as is proven by the noble slain in the late battles in Western Louisiana. . .what they have proven on a score of bloody fields before, that not a drop of coward blood runs in their veins; and that, when hot work and brave hearts are needed, there they will always be found. . .in the late battle near Pleasant Hill, La., this regiment covered the army as it fell back to Pleasant Hill, preparatory to the great slaughter that took place on that memorable field. At times, my informant says, they stood for a half hour under a murderous fire of the enemy, fixed and immovable as if on parade, though the flushed and confident enemy essayed repeatedly to put them, to flight. When the army retired some distance, they, with coolness and precision, moved to the rear, formed line, and again confronted the foe, immovable as statues, though friends and comrades were falling fast on every side."

Fine. The blade retains virtually all of the original gilt backgrounds and is a smooth gray with attractive Damascus patterns along its length. There is only minimal wear including some slight spotting/pitting. The hilt retains the 75% plus of its gilt finish and has crisp patterns and designs. The exposed brass has nice aged patina. The guard finial is a separate piece of gilded silver. The grip has some chips at the top and a repair at the base but is otherwise very fine with crisp checkering and carving. The scabbard retains traces of original gilding on the brass fittings which display crisp designs and mostly aged patina and has varying aged patinas along with some scratches and dents along the silver body. The inscription remains crisp. This ornate sword with is patriotic designs and historical inscription would easily find a worthy place among the finest Civil War collections.