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 restored in modern times. 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. The leather has a repair down by the drag that is mentioned for exactness. 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 "F.H. Swan". The records show that Francis H. Swan was from Massachusetts and he enlisted on 12/9/1861 as an Acting Assistant Paymaster. He was Retired on 7/15/1886. During that long service he was promoted to Pay Inspector, Assistant Paymaster on 3/9/1865 and Assistant Paymaster on 5/4/1866. Some of the ships served on in Navy included the USS POTOMSKA, the USS FROLIC and he also saw service in the West Gulf Squadron and the European Squadron, On October 27, 1864, 25-year-old Acting Assistant Paymaster Francis H. Swan participated in blowing up the CS ram Albemarle. In 1918 after Swan had passed away, his family found a hand-written account of the fight with the Albemarle and photocopies of the transcription are included with the sword. This is a cool sword from Ames with a fine honest identification.

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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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