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U.S. M.1850 Presentation Infantry Officer's Sword

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
U.S. M.1850 Presentation Infantry Officer's Sword
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
U.S. Model 1850 Presentation Infantry Officer's Sword, by Ames, inscribed on scabbard throat, ''Presented to Col. H.A. Smalley, 5th Vt. (Vermont) Vols., by the officers of his staff''; and on reverse ''Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass.'' Col. Smalley was educated at West Point and was formerly an officer in the Second United States Artillery. In April 1862 the New York Times printed a tribute to Smalley from the Vermont Volunteers acknowledging this presentation. Col. Smalley expressed his gratitude and his desire to defer the date of presentation until such time as ''I shall have proved on the field of battle.that I deserve it.'' The 5th was active in both Fredericksburg Campaigns and Gettysburg, and participated with the Army of the Potomac from the Wilderness to Cold Harbor, afterward taking part in the siege of Petersburg. Condition overall is very good. The 31'' bright gray blade shows clear patriotic etchings. Wire wrapped shagreen grip with wire wrap is intact with no losses, and the pierced guard shows a floral and vine motif. Black leather-bodied scabbard body is solid showing some folding, cracks and scuffing. Est.: $5,000-$7,500.