Beschreibung:

28.75" slightly curved, single-edged blade with 19.5" stopped central fuller. 5.5" gilt brass hilt with sterling grip and three-branch guard that terminates in a sea serpent at the pommel and another sea serpent as the quillon. Frosted etched blade marked Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass above the obverse ricasso and with decorative panels running about there-fourths of the blade's length. The obverse images include panoplies of arms, flowing foliate and geometric themes and include a central image of an anchor surmounted by an American shield. The images on the reverse of the blade include a canon mounted on a naval carriage, and American Eagle, a fouled anchor and a central image containing the letters USN in a banner, along with the usual foliate scrolls. The sterling grip is engraved with tight, flowing feathery scrolls featuring a nautically themed panoply of arms as the central image on the obverse. Guard with an oval depicting a panoply of arms and the pommel cap with an eagle surmounting a fouled anchor, surrounded by the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Pommel cap is further decorated with flowing feathers and a shell motif in addition to the usual acanthus leaf motif. Sword is accompanied by a pair of scabbards, including a highly embellished gilt brass scabbard with highly detailed and stylized mounts, three suspension rings and a sea serpent drag. The obverse of the metal scabbard is engraved with the following presentation: James R. Wheeler / Acting Master of the US Ship Kearsarge / as a testimonial for his Services in her engagement with the Alabama June 19, 1864. Scabbard with relief engraved image of Poseidon within flowing scrolls and nautically theme mounts. Secondary scabbard of shagreen covered wood with gilt brass naval motif mounts with knotted ropes and a sea serpent drag. Sword and both scabbards are contained in a varnished wood case with silver washed brass fittings. The case has a form fitted interior with blue velvet and satin lining, with additional cream colored satin lining. This sword is published in a number of references including Colonel Rankin's Small Arms of the Sea Service. A truly spectacular Civil War naval presentation sword from one of the most storied Civil War naval battles, likely second only to the battle between the Monitor and the CSS Virginia (Merrimack) in terms of legend and lore. On July 19, 1864 Acting Master James R. Wheeler was one of nineteen naval officers aboard the USS Kearsarge during the epic sea battle off Cherbourg with the storied Confederate commerce raider CSS Alabama. As spectators watched from the shoreline the visual drama of the unprecedented engagement between two steam warships played out lasting a little over an hour. The adversaries maneuvered on opposite courses in spiraling circles, attempting to cross the others' bow and deliver a full broadside. As the range closed, Alabama fired first without effect. Not unexpectedly the well drilled crew of the Kearsarge soon demonstrated superior gunnery skills and methodically scored at least six hits that holed the Alabama below the waterline. With the Alabama sinking Captain Semmes struck the colors and send his only surviving boat over to Kearsarge for assistance. Details of the broader fight are many, while Acting Master Wheeler in his official report of the battle - his only known eyewitness account - dated June 22, 1864 gave a rather brevet perspective: In obedience to your order I respectfully report that during the recent engagement with the Alabama the men of the first division, comprising the 11-inch forward pivot gun and rifle upon forecastle, without a single exception, displayed coolness and fortitude to a degree not anticipated under the excitement of receiving an enemy's fire. Indeed, I can not sufficiently express my commendation of their performance of duty. While I render to every man a praise so justly merited, I would make special mention of James Haley, captain, John F. Bickford, first leader Charles A.