Maker-mark, obverse ricasso; "Ames Mfg.Co./ Chicopee/ Mass., etched in cursive script. Maker mark also appears on the obverse side of upper scabbard throat/carrying mount, as does the identifying inscription (in cursive script)-"E. Denis/ USN"

In condition, this magnificent blade ranks as possibly the finest M1852 naval officer swords we've seen . Beyond the following imperfections--[two tiny dings at blade mid-point; traces of very slight cracking on the obverse side of leather scabbard between the mid-carrying mount and drag; two slight dents on the reverse drag w/ light tarnish at the tip]-the sword is in mint or near mint condition, running from blade and blade markings through the washer, hilt assembly, gilt overlay, shark-skin grips & wire wrap, dead bullion sword knot, scabbard mountings and leather. Yes, in all aspects, Ensign Denis's M1852 is as good as we've seen.

Emile Denis was a Massachusetts resident enlisted as an Acting Ensign and was commissioned into the Navy on 12/17/1862. He served aboard a federal supply ship, the USS Union, and resigned from the service on 9/7/1863. His ship was a heavy 1.114 ton steamer that had been commissioned into service in 1861. Armed with a powerful 12" rifled cannon, this steamer served w/the Atlantic blockading squadron and Potomac Flotilla through 1861-62. In 1863 the ship was re-assigned to a supply and dispatch duty, and it was during this phase the Union captured the British privateer Linnet on 21 May 1863, west Charlotte Harbor, Florida. At the end of the war the Union was decommissioned and sold into merchant service in October 1865.

Utterly superb naval collectible!