The handsome, slightly curved steel blade measures 32” long, 1” width, and a 26” long unstopped fuller. The narrow fuller is 23”. Blade is clean but exhibits large areas of darker spotting.  Both flats of the blade exhibit floral designs interspersed with American flags, cannons, and other military motifs. Additionally, on the obverse flat is an eagle and a ribbon with “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. On the reverse flat is the word “VICTORY” and the “U.S.” etching. All etchings are faint but visible in proper light. The blade is etched on the ricasso with a maker’s name which cannot be deciphered. Slightly rounded blade back. Blade is in good condition with no nicks only the slightest bend at the very tip. The large, ornate cast brass hilt is typical with floral displays on the hilt. The hilt is just slightly loose on the tang. Leather washer is missing. Brass pommel is decorated with laurel leaf casting.  Brass wears an uncleaned, mellow patina. Grips are in very good condition and feature an original ray skin covered wooden handle secured with fine double-twisted copper wire, all tightly wound around the handle.

The original, black leather scabbard is in very good condition.  Leather body wears a black to brown finish with scattered scuffs and cracking.  Stamped in the leather in “F. DEECKEN / NEW YORK”. Frederick Deecken was a German leather worker in New York.  Brass scabbard furniture consists of a throat with 1” brass ring, a center mount with 1” suspension ring, and the drag. The throat and center piece are loose.  All three small set screws are present. Scabbard drag shows no edgewear but has open cut where blade tip possibly poked through. Brass throat is engraved in script, “PRESENTED TO WM H NEILL LIEUT. BY CO C. 26 REGT NYV.  NOV 18^TH 1861”.

William H. Neill enlisted on May 7, 1861 into Company C, of the 26^th New York Infantry as a sergeant. Promoted to Ensign on July 20, and Lieutenant on November 7, 1861.  Promoted to Captain of Company D, on September 9, 1862. Wounded in the head during the Battle of Fredericksburg and sent to a hospital in Washington, D.C.  William Neill deserted from the hospital and never returned to service. Sword comes with muster and pension files.

A solid sword and scabbard with engraved presentation.   [jet]

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