Identified 43rd New York Infantry Officer’s Non Regulation Sword – SOLD

Description

This non-regulation type, german made blade, in the pattern of the British 1927 iron hilted sword had an American Eagle and banner in the guard facing. Made by ‘F. HORSIER / SOLINGEN.’  Having an excellent conditioned 32 3/4 inches etched blade with single etched panels on each side; one being a U.S. in floral wreath, and the other a wide spread winged eagle over sunburst.  Panels are approximates 7.5 to 8 inches in length.  Brass “proved” insert at ricasso, and “IRON PROOF ” on top rib near hilt.  The original white leather washer is in place.

Iron hilted with sharkskin grip, and triple strands of wire wrapping. Iron has a mellow patina, grips some use, but intact and would rate as very good. The capstan is untouched.

The iron scabbard shares the same patina as the hilt, with a few dents (family letter claims from battle damage). A English “S” in brass has been applied to the throat area just below the hilt, signifying ownership of 1st Lieutenant Fernando C. Seabring, Quartermaster of the 43rd New York Infantry. A cartouche is stamped on the drag (by maker), “F.H.” in oval.  Blade and scabbard fit perfectly.

A typed letter from a family member gives to the best of her ability some history and lineage of the sword. Ethel M. Rogers signature is in pen and is the grand niece of Lt. Seabring.  She claims (if I am understanding correctly)  that the sword originally was owned by Seabring’s grandfather, John Roelof Sebring born in 1773.

The 43rd New York, a three year regiment, has a great history. Known as the Albany Rifles, they were formed in August and September of 1861. The regiment had 5 companies from Albany, 2 from NYC, 1 from Washington Co., and 1 from Oswego Co.  Seabring joined the regiment in October of 1862, just prior to the battle of Fredericksburg, Va.  The regiments battle honors har numerous, included hard fought engagements at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Wilderness (here sustaining their heaviest losses of the war), Spotsylvania Court House, and the Petersburg Campaign.  Seabring mustered out in October of 1864.

Fernando Seabrings post war history gets a bit hazy when he takes on an alias, Fred C. Baker.  Why is not known.  He apparently leaves his first wife, but still maintains relationships with his children by the first marriage. In his obituary of May 1911, in the Phelps Citizen of Wedesday, 25 May, it stated he was a well known resident of the village, and died at Rochester, NY.  It further stated that he had been a quartermaster and helped form Co. “K” of the 10th New York Regiment, etc….” Company K and being quartermaster are correct, but the 10th is not right, and my have been used by “Baker” with his alias.  There is a good amount of research material here on Seabring / Baker and the rest of the family.  One thing is clear, the sword was used by Seabring despite what he may have been known by later.

A sword with a good history.