This is a classic original Civil War naval officer's sword and we know who carried it. Officially known as the U.S. model 1852 naval officer's sword, this is the style that was worn by naval officers during the Civil War. The blade is full length and is etched on each side with patriotic and other designs. The etching on the back of the blade has anchor as well as the flags and spears with "USN" on the banner. On the base of the blade it has the manufacturer marking of the Chicopee, Massachusetts maker marking of the famous Ames firm. Ames was the foremost American maker of quality edged weapons for the union during the Civil War. The guard and pommel cap have always stood apart from the normal Civil War officer's sword. It has the bold "USN" in the basket of the guard and the quillion is made like a serpent's head. At the very top of the pommel cap it has the droop wing style naval eagle. If you notice that all of the brass parts have a beautiful patina with a fine amount of the original gold gilding from the factory. This one has a fine amount of the original sharkskin grip present on the handle with a pleasing look all over. It also has the original double twist wire intact on the handle as well with one turn lost to the ages. The sword is accompanied by the original scabbard that is made brass and leather. The mounts are the correct naval style with the twisted rope designs leading to the rings. The drag is present and it has the sea serpent design as well. The back of the top mount has the correct and matching Ames Manufacturing maker marking as you see in the images. What makes this one extra special is that on the top mount of the scabbard, it has the name of the Sailor who carried it. The brass has a jeweler quality inscription that reads "Horace F. Pickering / U.S.N.". I found his name listed as serving from February till June of 1865. Another wonderful thing is that the sword is accompanied by not one, but two CDV images of Pickering in uniform and he is wearing this sword by his side. You can also clearly see that he's wearing a mourning band on arm. Notations on the reverse of each card identify Pickering and indicate that the image was taken while mourning the death of Abraham Lincoln. Both CDVs have William Hunter, Photographer, 282 Fulton Street, Brooklyn studio imprints on the reverse. There is a third image, a tintype, features Pickering and a friend or relative in civilian clothes posed against a tree trunk. There is also a one-page document on Navy Department letterhead, dated January 26, 1865 giving Pickering permission, by direction of the Secretary of the Navy, Rear Admiral Stringham, to report to the Boston Naval Yard for the examination for the position of Acting Masters Mate. A note at the bottom of the document, in Rear Admiral Silas H. Stringham's hand reads: "Passed Feb. 2. Prepare for sea and report by the 10th instant to / Rear Admiral Paulding at New York for instruction in gunnery. / S. H. Stringham / Commandant." A note at the top of the document in Rear Admiral Hiram Pauling's hand reads: "Report to the Commdr. of the "Savannah" / H. Pauling / July 11, 1865." The Savannah was used as a gunnery training ship. This is an attractive looking original Civil War naval officer's sword and scabbard by Ames with the images and the document as well. You get them all for $3,650.

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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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