Here is a quite common looking sword that is anything but common. This sword was carried by a Medal of Honor winner from Connecticut! This exact sword was published in John Thillmann's book on Civil War Army Swords. The itself is a Collins & Co. made U.S. Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer sword. What makes it so special is that it was presented to William E. Simonds who served with the 25th Connecticut Infantry and was a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient for his actions during the battle of Irish Bend, Louisiana. The sword is crafted with a 32 inch single-edged straight spear point blade with a 29 inch stopped median fuller. The sword is 38-1/2 inches in overall length with a 6-1/2 inch cast brass hilt and guard with single knuckle bow. The reverse of the blade base is stamped "COLLINS & CO/HARTFORD/CONN/1862". The blade is etched with flowing foliate scrolls and vines. It is light as you see and is marked with the legend "25th/C VOL" on the weak image of a knapsack as part of a trophy of arms on the other side of the blade has the etched soldier's name of W.E. Simonds in a ribbon style banner. When the sword was first offered for sale by Skinner in 1987 it was part of the collection of Stanley A. Olpp. At that time, it did not have a scabbard, and one was added at some point in time. A blued steel 1840 pattern scabbard with brass mounts now accompanies the sword. The sword is pictured and discussed on page 205 of John Thillmann's Civil War Army Swords. William Edgar Simonds (1842-1903) was an employee at Collins & Company in Hartford when he enlisted in the 25th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry on August 18, 1862. He was appointed the regimental sergeant major and as such was entitled to wear the US Model 1840 NCO sword. As a Collins employee it is likely that this specially etched Collins-made Model 1840 sword was given to him by his friends at that company. The 25th CT was a 9-month regiment that performed all of its service in the Department of the Gulf, primarily in Louisiana. On April 14, 1863 Simonds would receive a battlefield commission to 2nd lieutenant for his heroism under fire at the Battle of Irish Bend. His actions would also be rewarded in 1899 when he became a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism that day. The citation reads: "Displayed great gallantry, under a heavy fire from the enemy, in calling in the skirmishers and assisting in forming the line of battle." Simonds was later wounded on June 14, 1863 at the Battle of Port Hudson. Simonds was mustered out on August 26,, 1863.After his service he attended Yale Law School and received his law degree in two years. He went to work as an attorney, specializing in patent and trademark law. He was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1882, eventually serving as Speaker of the Connecticut House. In 1888 he was elected to Congress. In 1890 President Benjamin Harrison appointed him Patent Commissioner, a position he served in until 1893, when he returned to the private practice of law. He died in Hartford in 1903. The sword is accompanied by his 2nd Lieutenant promotion paper from the state of Connecticut. The pre-printed document has the blanks filled in using fine brown ink. It is dated May 29th 1863 and is signed in the lower right hand corner by the Governor of Connecticut, William A. Buckingham. This is you chance to own a sword carried by a Medal of Honor Winner without spending $20,000. Don't miss this one!

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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.

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