The bright, slightly curved blade has a surface that shows only very minor amounts of mottling and no pitting. Blade measures approx. 35.00 inches long with a stopped wide fuller that meas. approx. 27.50 inches in length and a narrow fuller that runs for approx. 19.00 inches. The blade edge has no nicks. Obverse ricasso is crisply marked “US” over “1864” but the inspector’s initials of “G.W.C.” are a bit weak. The reverse ricasso bears a faint three-line maker’s mark that reads “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE, / MASS.”  The leather washer at the base of the ricasso is near perfect.

The brass two-branch guard and knuckle bow are strong, tight and wear a pleasing mellow patina. The brass pommel cap is marked with inspector’s initials “A.D.K.” with the “A” being light and the “K” double stamped. The center-swell wood grip features a very nice dark brown leather that is in very good condition with a twisted brass wire wrap that is tight and complete.

The original steel scabbard is very dark with no pitting and very light scattered oxidation. Both mounts and rings are present as are the throat and drag. Scabbard has no dents.

Lightly scratched into the brass surface of the knuckle bow is “W GRIEST CO. L 10 MICH CAL.”

Wheat Ingledue Griest was born in Northfield, Ohio on February 15, 1845.

Findagrave.com gives a full obituary of Mr. Griest including his war service. We quote it in part below:

“… The one of whom we write was born on a farm and grew to manhood amid rural surroundings, those of his boyhood being of a primitive description. He was nine years old before he had an opportunity to go to school and the temple of learning to which he went was built of logs. Soon after entering his teens he began to work away from home at thirty cents a day, and he continued to toil until he had reached his twentieth year, when he entered the army.

Mr. Griest enlisted in March, 1865, as a recruit in Company L, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and joined the regiment at Knoxville, Tenn. He took part in a lively skirmish near Richmond, where his regiment was held in reserve just outside the limits during the siege. While encamped at Cantonia (Castalian) Springs, Tenn., he was sunstruck. He was mustered out at Memphis and returning to this State received an honorable discharge at Jackson. During the ensuing three years he was employed at farm work by the month and in the fall of 1868, he embarked in the milling business. After a time he engaged in the manufacture of lumber in Chester Township, whence he removed to Vermontville in 1880. There he continued his milling business about five years; then returned to his former location, but three years later disposed of the establishment.

After his return from Vermontville Mr. Griest located on his farm where he has continued to reside. It consists of eighty acres of land, all of which he improved and has brought to a splendid condition. The buildings upon it are first-class, and sufficiently numerous and ample for every need. The owner is one of those who has wrought out his own fortune by means of toil and persistence, having had no means with which to begin business, and having come from the army with but a small fund saved while a soldier. During the years spent by him in the lumber business he became an excellent judge of timber…

Mr. Griest commemorates his army life by his connection with the Grand Army of the Republic. He gives his earnest support to the principles of the Republican party. An honest man, a good citizen and a considerate husband and father, he is entitled to and receives the respect of his acquaintances.”

A copy of the full obituary printed from the internet comes with the item. It should be pointed out that the obituary provides a photograph of Mr. Griest as an older man.  [ad][ph:L]

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