This group consists of five items from Major William H. Fry of the 16^th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The premier piece is a non-regulation, import presentation sword.  Also included are a large framed memorial, an officer’s dress belt and buckle, an oval hat badge, and a small oval portrait of Fry.

Fry’s presentation sword is a non-regulation, import cavalry officer’s sword with its metal scabbard. Assembled by importer S.C. Bunting, Jr. of Philadelphia. The blade is slightly curved and measures 36” long with a 25” long stopped fuller and 19” narrow fuller. Both flats of the blade exhibit acid-etched floral decorations along with military motifs. Etchings are worn and covered with dark age spots.  The ricasso on the blade obverse exhibits the stamped date “1861”. Etched up this side is the retailer’s name, “S.C. Bunting Jr. Phila, Pa.” No marking or etching on the spine. On the reverse ricasso is the stamped “S.C. Bunting, Jr Phila”. Amid the etching on this side of the blade is found “U.S. Cavalry”. Blade is semi-bright with moderate dark spotting and a few ever-so-small nicks.

The iron hilt is typical of a cavalry sword with three branches to the knuckle guard. There is a quillion on top of the guard. A “back strap” that runs along the top of the grip is an integral piece of the pommel. These iron pieces retain some tarnished silver plating. The pommel is capped with a brass spread-winged eagle. Grip is wrapped with shark skin which remains tight and shows little surface wear.  Fine twisted copper wire is flanked on each side by a strand of single wire; all is tight and strong. The outer branch of the knuckle guard is bent inward and the eagle’s wing on that same side is bent down; this could have been altered by the soldier or maybe simply stepped on. Otherwise the condition is nice. Felt washer remains.

The original iron scabbard is in good condition complete with brass throat, two ring mounts and drag. All of these parts remain tight, but the drag is missing a brass screw on the underside. Surface is a light gray, pewter color with moderate dark surface spotting. A couple of very minor dings. Found between the throat and upper ring mount is a worn engraving, “Capt. Wm. H. Fry / From the Russell Troop as a / token of their esteem / Oct. 8^th 1862”.

The framed memorial or “Soldier’s Personal Record” measures approximately 20” x 26”. This is a printed sheet with personal information recorded in ink.  All engagements of the 16^th PA. Cavalry are listed. Written at the bottom is “At Kelly’s Ford a saber charge of Thirty (30) men led by Major Fry scattered a squadron of the enemy’s cavalry. Major Fry was taken prisoner on the Winchester Pike near White Sulphur Springs, Va on the night of Sept. 16, 1864. He was discharged by special reason May 17^th, 1865.”

The group also includes an officer’s dress belt with model 1851 officer’s buckle. The well-worn belt is constructed of thin leather that is folded and stitched. There is a tear and some separation at the back of the belt. A brass wire buckle is used to adjust the length. Decorative brass sword hangers are attached to large brass rings mounted on the belt. Only one of the two snap hooks remain. The cast brass m1851 buckle features the wide tongue on the back. A matching bench number is found on the buckle and keeper.

An unknown badge measures approximately 2 ½” wide x 1 ¾” tall.  Constructed of typical materials of the period, the background is blue velvet. The edge is finished with fine coiled wire and a “loop” detail sewn around the perimeter is done with metallic thread. A stamped brass eagle is affixed over false-embroidered letters “C W D”.  The significance of the badge is unknown. A brass pin is on the reverse.

The final piece of the group is an oval portrait of Fry.  The oval frame features a brass ribbon decorating the top. This piece measures 3 ¼” wide x 4 ½” tall. Contained in the frame is a color print of Fry with buttons highlighted with dabs of paint. Glued to the reverse is a portion of Fry’s newspaper obituary. Edges of old paper are chipping.

William H. Fry mustered in as a captain in his own company (listed as “Capt. Fry’s Co.” on muster sheet) on September 22, 1862 in Philadelphia. “Fry’s Company” became Company “I” of the 16^th Pennsylvania cavalry. On November 14 he was promoted to Major of that same company by request of the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Their first battle, at Kelly’s Ford on March 17, 1863, included a mounted charge led by Fry which scattered the enemy in his front. Major Fry was on detached service from the regiment as of May 1863. On September 21, 1864 he was captured at Winchester, VA. He was sent to Richmond then on to Salisbury, NC. Paroled on February 22, 1865.  Breveted to Lt. Colonel on March 13, 1865. He was discharged May 17, 1865.

A folder full of research regarding William Fry comes with the group.  A very nice presentation sword and group from an active Civil War cavalry combatant.   [jet]

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