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**RARE**American Civil War 1864 Dated Ames MFG Co Model 1860 U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Regiment Cavalry Trooper’s Sword With ‘W.S’ Factory Inspector’s Mark & Scabbard. Sn 22474:10 - 22474:10 The 1st Cavalry Regiment is a United States Army regiment that has its antecedents in the early 19th century in the formation of the United States Regiment of Dragoons. To this day, the unit's special designation is "First Regiment of Dragoons". While they were the First Regiment of Dragoons, another unit designated the 1st Cavalry Regiment was formed in 1855 and in 1861 was re-designated the 4th Cavalry Regiment. At the outbreak of the Civil War, the First Dragoons became the "First Regiment of Cavalry" and was soon attached to the 2d Brigade, Cavalry Reserve, Army of the Potomac. The bulk of the 1st U.S. Cavalry, fought in the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia, Williamsburg & Gaines' Mill, they also participated in fighting at Malvern Hill, Kelly's Ford, and during Stoneman's Raid in April and May. They also fought at the battle of Beverly Ford in June 1863 & at Upperville, the 1st U.S. Cavalry met the Jeff Davis Legion and the 1st and 2d North Carolina regiments in a mounted charge. The regiment lost 53 men (most to sabre cuts). At Gettysburg, its loss was 16 men. Several more men were lost in a series of skirmishes during the Confederate retreat to Virginia. In February, 1864, the 1st U.S. Cavalry engaged in a series of fights along the Rapidan line, and then accompanied Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer in a raid on Charlottesville, Virginia. The regiment subsequently accompanied Sheridan on his daring raid around Richmond, fighting at Beaver Dam Station, on 10 May; Yellow Tavern, on 11 May: Meadow Bridge and Mechanicsville, on 12 May; Tunstall's Station, on 14 May; Hawe's Shop, on 28 May; and Old Church, on 30 May.At the Battle of Cold Harbor, on 1 June, the regiment saw severe fighting, losing several men and officers. The 1st Cavalry then accompanied General Sheridan on his Trevilian raid, and lost 35 men in the Battle of Trevilian Station, on 11 and 12 June. The regiment was engaged in daily skirmishing during the return march to White House Landing, and was engaged there on 17 June, at the Chickahominy River on 18 June, and at the battle of Darby's Farm, on 28 June. The 1st Cavalry captured an enemy flag at the battle of Deep Bottom, on 28 July, where the Regular Brigade, fighting on foot, routed a brigade of Confederate cavalry. The regiment was then engaged in almost daily skirmishing, and took part in all the important valley battles except Fisher's Hill. From 16 August through 20 August, the 1st Cavalry was employed, together with the whole of the 1st Division, in the destruction of all wheat and forage, and the seizure of all horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs accessible in the valley. The 1st Cavalry took part in the charge of the Reserve Brigade at the Battle of Opequon, on 19 September, and, in conjunction with the 2nd Cavalry, captured two stands of colours and some 200 prisoners. Its casualties were 37 killed, wounded and missing. On 28 September, in an action at Waynesboro, it suffered 18 additional casualties. The 1st Cavalry played an important part in the Battle of Cedar Creek. In 1865 The 1st Cavalry took part in the Battle of Waynesboro, on 2 March, where the remnant of Early's army was captured. It was then engaged in many skirmishes during a march from Charlottesville to White House Landing, while destroying locks and the embankment of the James River Canal, railroads and Confederate supplies. It arrived at White House Landing on 17 March, taking part in a sharp engagement that day. The 1st Cavalry was then present in all the major battles of the Cavalry Corps until the close of the war. On 30 March, it was in the engagement on White Oak Road; on 31 March, at Dinwiddie Court House; on 1 April, at Five Forks. There, the regiment charged an entrenched enemy position, carried it and seized 200 prisoners. It also fought on 2 April in the engagement near the Southside Railroad; on 6 April, at the Battle of Sayler's Creek; and on 9 April, at Appomattox Courthouse, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. The design of American Infantry swords of the Civil war era were influenced by French designs. This is an excellent, nicely marked, original example of the Model 1860 U.S. Cavalry Trooper’s sword complete with its original scabbard (see page 125 of World Swords by Withers. The author describes these swords as scarce). This is an excellent original example marked to the U.S 1st Cavalry Regiment. It has 34 ¾” elegantly curved, steel blade with fullers on both sides and it is 41 ¼” overall. The blade is fitted with original leather hilt washer. The cutting edge of the blade is very sharp & has no nicks or damage. One side of the blade is marked by the American manufacturer ‘Ames Mfg Co Chicopee Mass’, the reverse is marked ‘U.S.’ (army), dated ‘1864’ and has ‘G.W.S’ factory or army inspector’s mark. It has a curving 3 bar brass bar guard and stepped pommel cap in typical French form. The guard is Regiment marked ‘1 CAV R’ to the 1st Cavalry Regiment’. Its wire bound leather grip is undamaged and the copper wire binding is intact and tight. The sword is complete with its original steel scabbard with 2 original hanging rings. The scabbard is clean with just a few minor dents to be expected with service carry. The price for this rare American Civil war collector’s piece to a famous cavalry regiment that saw much action throughout the civil war includes UK delivery**AS WITH ALL OF OUR STOCK THIS ITEM IS GUARANTEED 100% ORIGINAL** Sn 22474:10
£975.00
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