The blade is bright with just some very light scattered gray spots and has a good point and edge. Above that a fouled anchor is beautifully rendered with shaded sides, giving is a distinct three-dimensional effect at some angles, and over that is the ribbon with “U.S.N.” The upper portion of the etching terminates with floral elements showing acorns and long leaves, the stems of which loop and entwine in knots echoing the naval motifs of coiled ropes, as on the scabbard mounts, and sea serpents, as on the hilt and drag, at the same time. The etched panel above that includes a wonderful eagle in a cartouche with cannonballs underneath and an arc of clouds overhead with flame-like sunrays extending above. The left side at the ricasso shows the impressed king’s head blade-maker stamp of the Weyersberg firm of Solingen, who were a major source of swords and blades for Horstmann. Above that the etched panel continues with a latticework, floral sprays, an oval of stars where and officer could have had his name etched, and a panoply of arms, terminating with flamboyant rays. Horstmann / & Sons / Philadelphia” etched in an arc at the right ricasso. The right side of the blade has the firm name, “W.H. The grip has its sharkskin wrap and triple binding wire intact. The brass hilt is cast and chased with floral elements of acorns and oak leaves, and a sea monster’s head with scaled body on the curved quillon and terminal of the knucklebow where it joins the pommel cap. This is a nice Civil War example sold by Horstmann, preserving very nice blade etching and with a sharkskin scabbard. This pattern of sword for US Navy officers was adopted in 1852 and a version of it is still in use.
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