This imported Civil War sword is an original Model 1850 foot officer’s sword manufactured by an unknown maker, likely European. The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard adorned with brass mountings, engraved and presented to a New York Captain.

Slightly curved, the steel blade measures 30 ½” long and has a width of 1 1/8” with a 21” long fuller. Both flats of the blade exhibit floral and military (stands of flags) motifs. One side has “U.S.” No maker’s name visible on either ricasso. Slightly rounded blade back exhibits no stampings. Blade has a few nicks and was sharpened at one time. Blade is shiny with gray patches on the blade where it was handled over the years. Sword has a turned-down pommel and the large, ornate French-styled, cast brass hilt typical on the sword and displays a cutout backstrap integrated into the knucklebow. Hilt is tight on the tang. Retains its felt washer. All brass has acquired a mellow bronze patina. Grips are in wonderful condition and feature original ray-skin covered wooden handle secured with fine double-twisted copper wire flanked on each side by a single thread of wire, all tightly wound around the handle. Grips excellent with no cracking or loss. The original, leather scabbard is in good condition. Stitching is complete and tight. There is moderate loss to the finish from use and age. Scabbard furniture consists of two plain brass mounts with suspension rings and a brass drag. Mounts are complete with a 1” diameter brass ring on each. All small screws present on drag and mounts. Scabbard drag shows no edge wear, but there are two small dents. The throat is beautifully engraved with a presentation reading, “Capt R.R.R. Dumars from Elmira Friends 1862”.

Robert R. R. Dumars was commissioned Captain of Company C, 161^st New York Infantry on October 27, 1862 in Elmira, New York. He is “reported” to have mustered out at Fort Jefferson in Florida on September 20, 1865. His pension records show that he became ill during the Port Hudson campaign and was eventually put on detached service at Elmira as of August 31, 1863.

The 161^st NY was organized in Elmira, New York and was mustered in for a three year enlistment on October 27, 1862; it was composed of companies from Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Chenango and Broome Counties. The regiment left the state on December 4, 1862; it served in Grover's Division, Department of the Gulf, from December, 1862; in 2d Brigade, Augur's Division, from December 31, 1862; in the 3d Brigade, Augur's Division, 19th Corps, from January 21, 1863; in 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Corps, from March, 1863; in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Corps, from August 15, 1863; in the Engineer Brigade, Department of the Gulf, from June, 1864; with the 17th Corps from August 14, 1864; in the 3d Brigade, 2d Division, Reserve, 19th Corps, from August 17, 1864; at Columbus, Kentucky, from October 26, 1864; in the 3d Brigade, 2d Division, Reserve, 19th Corps, at Memphis, Tennessee, from November 20, 1864; in the 4th Brigade, Reserve, Military Division of West Mississippi, from December 4, 1864; in 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 13th Corps, from February, 1865; in the District of Florida in June, 1865; in the Department of Florida from July, 1865; and it was honorably discharged and mustered out November 12, 1865, at Tallahassee, Florida. During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 1 officer, 32 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 23 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 250 enlisted men; total, 1 officer, 305 enlisted men; aggregate, 306; of whom 13 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.

This is a very nice condition, imported, M1850 Field & Staff officer’s sword engraved and presented to an officer in the 161^st New York Infantry. [jet]

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