IMPORT MODEL 1850 FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD ID’D TO LT. WILLIAM MCCRORY, OHIO SHARPSHOOTER OFFICER

$6,500.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 870-382

The blade on this item is in excellent condition. It is bright and clean with only light mottling. The drawn sword meas. approx. 36.50 inches long from point to pommel. It has a stopped fuller that meas. approx. 23.00 inches long and no narrow fuller. The true edge has about a dozen small nicks scattered along its length.

The etching on the blade is strong. The obverse etching features a patriotic shield over a block “US” inside a sunburst. Below this is a wreath of laurel. Above the ricasso on this side is etched “WARRANTED TO CUT WROUGHT IRON.” The reverse of the blade features a large spread-winged eagle at center over a riband with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inside of a sunburst. The ricasso on this side is etched with “TIFFANY & CO. NEW YORK.” At the base of the ricasso is the original leather washer that shows some wear from use.

The detailed brass hilt features a cast guard and knucklebow with a delicately cast single-band with cutout oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves. Brass hilt is tight to the blade tang. Features a grooved, center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in high quality sharkskin. Skin is tightly bound with twisted brass wire around the handle. Normal seam is evident on the back side of the grip. Brass pommel is decorated with ornate scrollwork of laurel leaves and features a tiered domed cap with a ball at top. Casting on the hilt and pommel is well executed. Overall the hilt is in excellent condition.

The leather scabbard is solid but does have surface crazing throughout with minor amounts of surface loss. Brass mounts and drag are plain. Both mount rings are present. Drag exhibits numerous small dents. Lower mount moves a bit due to leather shrinkage. Top mount below the throat is engraved “LT. WILLIAM McCRORY / 7TH CO. OHIO SHARPSHOOTERS 1864.”

William McCrory was born in Ohio July 22, 1839. He attended Westville College and was attending Oberlin College when the Civil War broke out.

In 1862 he quit his studies and on October 18 of that year he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Independent Company Ohio Sharpshooters. McCrory was promoted to 1st Lieutenant November 11, of 1862.

The 7th Independent Company served as sharpshooters under Rosecrans and Thomas. On May 20, 1863 they were assigned as headquarters guard for General Sherman. The unit did encounter Confederates during a forage expedition near Marietta, Georgia and lost 8 men captured. They were with Sherman during his March to the Sea and in the Carolinas losing one man killed at Rossville, Georgia.

Lt. McCrory was present with his company acting as adjutant and quartermaster until March of 1864 when he took a twenty day leave. He was back with the Company in April and from May to September was commanding officer. From October to December of 1864 he was on another leave and then on detached service in Nashville before returning to the Company in January of 1865. McCrory was mustered out on July 28, 1865 and was promoted to Captain by brevet on June 22, 1867 for efficient and meritorious service during the war. There is no doubt that during his service McCrory was known to Rosecrans, Thomas and Sherman.

After the war McCrory settled in Columbus, Ohio and became involved in the railroad business. He moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota around 1878. There he built, and later sold, a motor line railroad from Minneapolis to Lake Minnetonka. Afterward he spent all his time in real estate.

McCrory was an active member of the GAR, the Loyal Legion, The Army of the Cumberland and Army of the Tennessee societies. He was married twice and had one daughter.

William McCrory died February 17, 1893 from the effects of a horse falling on him. He is buried in Mansfield Cemetery, Mansfield, Ohio.

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