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     The militia officers’ sword shown here was sold by Hayden and Gregg of Charleston, South Carolina and is so marked.  Etched horizontally along the ricasso is IMPORTED BY/ Hayden,Gregg & Co/ CHARLESTON/ -S.C.-

     Hayden, Gregg & Co began as Eyland & Hayden in 1830.  They were militaria dealers and jewelers located at 172 King Street in Charleston.  Hayden bought out Eyland’s stock when the latter died in 1835.  In 1838 William Gregg bought into the firm as Hayden & Gregg & Co. Jewelry.  This dissolved in 1843 and a new firm, Hayden, Gregg & Co. Importers and Dealers in Jewelry and Military Goods.  Located at 250 King Street, this firm lasted until 1852.  The sword’s design is typically considered to date from the late 20s to the early 30s.  However the markings on this sword “IMPORTED BY/ Hayden,Gregg & Co/ CHARLESTON/ -S.C.-“ positively date it between 1843 and 1852.

     It is a beautiful example of an eagle head P guard.  The bone grip is finely carved and the casting of the eagle, the knuckle guard and langets is admirably executed.  The bow is decorated with flowers. Each langet is adorned with a droop winged eagle and the qullion terminated in an oak leaf.  Besides Hayden and Gregg’s moniker, the blade is etched with a panoply of arms surmounted by a liberty cap on one side and a droop winged eagle with ribbon into which is engraved E Pluribus Unum on the other. 

     The sword is sheathed in its original brass scabbard which is also ornately engraved.  The main feature of which is a warring eagle with shield and arrows.

     The sword and scabbard are in beautiful untouched condition.  There is neither a nick in the blade nor a dent in the scabbard, though the blade’s tip is slightly blunted.  The blade has some dark carbon staining, but the etching remains strong.