FANTASTIC CONDITION AMES MANUFACTURED MODEL 1850 FIELD & STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD PRESENTED TO COLONEL DAVID MORRISON OF THE 79TH NEW YORK HIGHLANDERS IN 1862

$5,250.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 482-379

This weapon has a beautiful bright blade that is very clean and free of any mottling. It meas. approx. 31.50 inches long and is 1.08 inches wide at the ricasso. The spine of the blade is flat and plain. The true edge is perfect with no nicks of any kind. The blade surface has some very light signs of rubbing near the point but is otherwise spotless. There is a stopped fuller running approx. 22.00 inches long with a narrow fuller above it that runs for approx. 16.50 inches.

The fine etching on the blade is near perfect. The obverse etching begins at the ricasso where the maker’s information of “AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS” can be found. This is followed by a scrollwork design that ends with a patriotic shield superimposed over a cannon barrel, flag and spear. This is surmounted by a spread-winged eagle and riband followed by a long flowing oak leaf or laurel branch. The reverse side etching begins at the ricasso with a mix of horizontal lines and dots before changing to a scrollwork pattern with a central focal point of a large “U.S.” done in block letters followed by flags, spears and shields before ending in a long thin fern limb. All the etching is strong with a slightly frosty appearance. Leather washer at the base of the ricasso is present and complete.

Sword features a finely detailed, ornate, brass hilt, guard and knucklebow with a delicately cast face that displays detailed oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves and a “U.S.” Brass hilt is tight and exhibits all its original gold gilt with some slight rubbing at the pommel back. Brass has never been cleaned. Grips consist of a turned and grooved wooden handle wrapped in high quality, dark colored rayskin that is missing the brass wire around the handle. Brass pommel is decorated with ornate scrollwork of laurel leaves and features a tiered domed cap. Casting on both hilt and pommel is well executed and crisp.

The smooth, dark, plum steel scabbard is in very good original condition. No dents in body. Has the maker’s stamping “AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS” on the upper scalloped brass band. Also has the two brass ring mounts and brass drag adorned with tooling. Mount bands are heavily decorated with oak leaves. Brass throat collar is tight to the scabbard. Sword rings solidly attached. Both mounts and drag show signs of rubbing that has worn off some of the gilt finish. Top mount is finely engraved with “PRESENTED TO / LT. COL. DAVID MORRISON / 79TH REGT. N. Y. S. M. / BY A FEW FRIENDS / MAY 2ND 1862.”

David Morrison was born in Glasgow, Scotland on January 23, 1823 and after serving a short time in the British army he immigrated to the United States when he was 19 years old. He entered the brass manufacturing business in New York and was successful enough to become the owner of his own shop.

On the outbreak of the Civil War the 40 year old Morrison was commissioned Captain of Company E, 79th New York Infantry on May 28, 1861. The regiment was also known as the 79th New York Highlanders and was composed largely of Scotsman.

The regiment was assigned to the army of Major General Irwin McDowell and saw action very early in the war at Blackburn’s Ford and 1st Bull Run. The regiment was eventually sent to South Carolina where it remained until July of 1862. While in the Deep South Captain Morrison was promoted to Major on October 21, 1861 and Lieutenant Colonel on January 17, 1862. During this time the regiment saw action on James Island and Secessionville. On June 16, 1862 Morrison was slightly wounded.

In July of 1862 the 79th was assigned to the 9th Corps of the Army of the Potomac and saw action at 2nd Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam and Fredericksburg. After the latter battle the regiment went into winter quarters where Morrison was promoted to Colonel of the 79th on February 17, 1863.

In March of 1863 the regiment went west with the 9th Corps and served with the Army of the Ohio at Vicksburg and then aided in the defense of Knoxville. At the end of March Colonel Morrison was appointed to command the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Corps, a position he retained until the end of his service. In April of 1864 the regiment along with its Corps rejoined the Army of the Potomac.

The 79th took part in Grant’s Overland Campaign seeing action at Spotsylvania where Colonel Morrison was wounded in his right wrist. This wound would cause him trouble later in life and be the basis for a pension.

At the expiration of their term of service the 79th New York returned home in late May. Colonel Morrison was mustered out at New York City on May 31, 1864. Later, on March 13, 1865 he was promoted to Brigadier General by brevet for gallant and meritorious conduct at Spotsylvania.

After the war Morrison continued in the brass business and was a member of the Loyal Legion, the Cameron Post #79 of the G.A.R. and of St. Andrew’s Thistle Society as well as the Mechanics and Tradesman Society. At the time of his death on February 25, 1896 he was 73 years old and left behind a wife, son and two daughters. He was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.

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