Here is a pretty sword that has an interesting inscription. The sword itself is the classic U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword made by the famous Ames firm in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The cool thing is that the inscription on the sword gives the attribution to Medal of Honor Winner Captain George W. Corliss, Company C, 5th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. The top mount of the scabbard is marked in two lines "GEORGE W CORLISS/February 5th 1884", with the name stamped and date engraved in script. The meaning of the date is not known, but it may be related to his joining the GAR or some other organization in the post-Civil War period. We can't say for sure. The sword itself has the 30-1/4th inch long single edged blade with 20-3/4ths inch stopped median fuller. The sword has an overall length 36-1/4th inches with the 6 inch hilt with gilt brass guard. The brass has the floral pattern for a foot officer. Each side of the blade has the etching with the floral and patriotic designs. The three line Ames mark is etched on the back side of the blade base. The handle of the sword has the grooved wooden core with the original sharkskin covering and thirteen wraps of twisted wire. The sword is accompanied by the gilt brass mounted browned steel scabbard that is not Ames marked but is an Ames product. The scabbard and sword may be mated, as the scabbard is about 2-1/2 inches longer than the blade. The records show that George W Corliss (1836-1903) enlisted in the 5th Connecticut Infantry on June 21, 1861 and on July 22, 1861 was commissioned captain of Company C. Captain Corliss' Medal of Honor was awarded in the post Civil War period on September 10, 1897 for gallantry in action during the Battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9, 1862. His citation states "...seized a fallen flag of the regiment, the color bearer having been killed, carried it forward in the face of a severe fire, and though himself shot down and permanently disabled, planted the staff in the earth and kept the flag flying.". Due to his injury sustained during the battle, Corliss was captured by Confederate forces and was held at Libby Prison until exchanged in early 1863. He resigned from active service due to his injury, but soon rejoined as a 1st Lieutenant in the 3rd Veteran's Reserve Corps, being brevetted to Major in 1865. Corliss worked in the insurance industry in the post war period and was the publisher of an insurance periodical titled The Insurance Critic. He died in 1903 and is buried in New York. A brief print-out on the service of Corliss will accompany the sword.

Print Email to a friend

Order Information

WE NO LONGER HAVE A STORE FRONT BUSINESS! ON-LINE AND SHOW SALES ONLY! Please contact us if you have any questions before you place an order. 731-438-3541 Extension #3

Terms of Sale

All items are described to the best of our ability. Remember that the only true experts died 100 years ago. If we make a mistake we will make it right. It is always best to call and reserve an item as most of them are unique. We do out best to keep the web-site up-to-date but sometimes items sell out of the office or at a show and aren't removed immediately. After you place your order and receive confirmation from Shiloh Relics. The item will be held for 7 days for the payment to arrive. If payment is not received within 7 days the item will be placed back for sale. Please call between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time. A minimum charge of $10.00 will be added to cover shipping. Items can be shipped UPS or USPS Priority Mail. Tennessee residents must include 9.75% sales tax. All items are 100% GUARANTEED. If for any reason you are unhappy with the relic just return it UNALTERED within 5 days for a refund minus shipping charges and restocking fee of 6%. Layaways can be arranged on items over $100. Layaway terms are; 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days with balance due in full in 60 days. Due to time factors there are no refunds or price discounts on layaways. Only 1 item may be in lay-a-way at a time unless approved by Shiloh Relics. We reserve the right to refuse service to rude people. We are always buying and trading so feel free to make an offer. Thanks for stopping by! Rafael & Catherine Eledge, Owners of ShilohRelics.com.

Payment Information

Checks, Money Orders , Major Credit Cards , Layaway

Authenticity

I guarantee all my items to be authentic and as described. All items are Guaranteed to be Authentic without time limit to the original purchaser for the price purchased as long as the item is accompanied by the original receipt or bill of sale.

Shipping Information

We use the United States Postal Service or United Parcel Service for all shipping. Insurance is included in all shipping costs to protect your item. We am happy to combine items to reduce the shipping cost please let us know if you have placed multiple orders.