AMES MANUFACTURED MODEL 1850 FIELD & STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD ID’d TO 166TH & 176TH NEW YORK OFFICER

$3,950.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 1179-079

This sword has a bright blade that exhibits light scattered mottling and very minor surface pitting in areas. The blade meas. approx. 32.00 inches long and is 1.08 inches wide at the ricasso. The spine of the blade is flat and plain. The true edge is near perfect with only one nick that can be felt more than seen. The blade has some very light surface rust in the ricasso area. There is a stopped fuller running approx. 22.50 inches long with a narrow fuller above it that runs for approx. 15.50 inches.

The etching on the blade has faded some but is still clearly visible. 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 block lettered “U.S.” followed by 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 an etched name of “T. HENRY EDSALL” done in cursive followed by flags, spears and shields before ending in a long thin fern limb. Leather washer at the base of the ricasso is present and complete.

Sword features a finely detailed, ornate, brass hilt, guard and knuckle bow with a delicately cast face that displays detailed oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves and a “U.S.” Brass hilt wiggles just a bit and exhibits a mellow patina. Brass has never been cleaned. Grips consist of a turned and grooved wooden handle wrapped in high quality, dark colored ray skin with complete brass wire around the grip. 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 but there is a layer of surface dirt and very light scattered surface oxidation. Has the maker’s stamping “AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS” on the reverse of upper scalloped brass mount. 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.

Thomas Henry Edsall was born in Orange County, New York on October 7, 1840. He graduated from Brown University in 1862.

On September 9, 1862 he was commissioned a 1st lieutenant and adjutant of the 166th New York but that regiment failed to organize. All members of the 166th were then transferred to the 176th New York on December 18, 1862.

The regiment served in the 19th and later the 10th Corps. The regiment served in the defenses of New Orleans. The regiment participated in the skirmishes at Pattersonville, La., Fourche crossing, Thibodeaux, Fort Buchanan, Bayou Boeuff and Brashier City.

Lieutenant Edsall was mustered out on November 16, 1863.

After returning from the war, Edsall became managing clerk in the firm of O'Connor and Dunning, lawyers, and on Charles O'Connor's death, three years later, became the partner of Mr. Dunning. The firm name was changed to Dunning, Edsall, Hart and Fowler, which continued until 1888, when Mr. Edsall retired on account of ill health and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was one of the founders of the University Club of Colorado Springs, and also of the Sons of the Revolution. During his residence in Colorado he was the counsel for the Colorado Midland Railroad and other corporations.

Mr. Edsall died in Colorado Springs on October 26, 1897 and is buried there in Evergreen Cemetery.  [ad] [ph:L]

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