This sword pattern was manufactured by H. Sauerbier of Newark, New Jersey (this one is unmarked). See "Civil War Army Swords" by Thillman on page 447 for an example. This beautiful presentation sword is based on the Model 1860 pattern and features a 31 1/4 inch straight blade with floral and U.S. martial themed etching, gilt brass hilt with Seal of the United States themed langet and officer's head pommel, and floral carved pearl grip with contrasting pearl panels on the sides. The scabbard is also gilded brass and has floral pattern fittings. Between the suspension bands, the scabbard is inscribed: "Presented to/Brig Genl. E.B. Tyler/By a few Officers of the 1st & 3rd/Separate Brigade 8th Army Corps." Brigadier General Erastus B. Tyler (1822-1891) was only briefly in charge of the VIII Corps from September 28 - October 10, 1863, by order of President Lincoln in place of Major General Robert C. Schenk. At that time, he was already commanding the defense of Baltimore. He served throughout the war starting as colonel of the 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry which he helped raise and mustering out with the brevet rank of major general. He was a pro-Union Democrat and had no formal military training outside of local militia service before the outbreak of the war. He was in command of troops at multiple battles, among them: First Battle of Winchester, Port Republic, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Monocacy. At the latter, he successfully led the defense of Jug Bridge on the Baltimore Pike and gained the acclaim of President Lincoln who stated the Union was "more indebted to General Tyler than any other man for the salvation of Washington." He married a local woman from Baltimore and lived there after the war and worked as postmaster. His death in 1891 is said to have been related to wounds he suffered during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Fine overall. The fairly bright blade has some gray patina forming, small patches of staining and pitting, and mostly distinct etching. There is a chip/flake absent from the right lower side of the grip. The brass hilt and scabbard retain bright gold finish in the protected areas and display attractive aged patina on the balance. The designs are all distinct. Overall, this is a very attractive and rare presentation sword owned by a distinguished Civil War general.