Original Civil War Model 1850 foot officer’s sword sold by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Sword is in good condition and is identified to Captain William M. Burnett of the 56th New York Infantry.

This regulation infantry officer’s sword meas. approx. 36.25 inches from point to pommel. The blade measures 30.50 inches long with a 20.50 inches long stopped fuller and a 15.50 inch narrow fuller. The blade surface is clean with light scattered rubbing in the area of the point and small chip in the finish approx. 5.25 inches from the point. The etching on the obverse side begins just above the ricasso with the marker’s name etched in three lines “AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS.” followed by scrollwork leading to a stand of arms with flags, shield, spears and cannon barrel followed by a spread-winged eagle and riband that faintly reads “LIBERTY & UNION” which is followed by foliate.

The reverse side has linear and grape like decoration just above the ricasso followed by foliate and the block letters “US” with a stand of arms above it followed by more foliate. The etching on both sides have much of the frosted background remaining.

The true edge has no chips.

.The detailed brass hilt features a cast guard and knucklebow with a delicately cast single-band with cutout oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves. Hilt features a center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in high quality, light colored sharkskin. Skin is tightly bound with double-twisted brass wire that is frayed on the top course. Normal seam is evident on the side of the grip. Grips are original and in good condition. Brass pommel is decorated with ornate scrollwork of laurel leaves and features a tiered domed cap. Casting on the hilt and pommel is well executed.

The original black leather scabbard is broken in two at the top of the drag but the piece is present. The top of the drag and the leather above it has a green tape residue. Scabbard body is strong otherwise. Leather surface is heavily worn with much surface finish loss and crazing. Both rings and mounts are present and are plain. Throat is finely engraved “CAPTAIN / W. M. BURNETT CO. K 56^TH REGT / N.Y.S.V.” Reverse of throat is marked with “AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS.” All brass furniture is discolored and heavily worn.

William M. Burnett was 52 years old when he was mustered in as a Captain of Company C, 84^th New York (14^th New York State Militia) on April 18, 1861 and was discharged on June 30^th of that year.

Burnett was next commissioned a 1^st Lieutenant in the 56^th New York in February 1862 and was promoted to Captain of Company K on April 9, 1862. He was wounded at Fair Oaks on May, 31, 1862.

After his recovery he was assigned to the 158^th New York Infantry as Major on October 20, 1862. Due to his advanced age he suffered debility and resigned November 18, 1863.

The wear on this sword and the plainness of its appearance seems to indicate that this was Captain Burnett’s everyday sword.  [ad]

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