Lot 26

Published Tomes, Son & Melvain Field Grade Cavalry Officers' Sword Presented to Lt. Col. S.M. Fuller - 4th Maine Infantry

Sale 1353 - Arms, Armor and Militaria
May 1, 2024 10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$4,000 - $6,000

Sold for $2,400

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description

Published Tomes, Son & Melvain Field Grade Cavalry Officers' Sword Presented to Lt. Col. S.M. Fuller - 4th Maine Infantry

American Civil War
35" curved single-edged blade with 26" stopped median fuller and a narrow 19" fuller along the spine. Blade 1.1875" wide at ricasso. Overall length 41.25" with a 6.5" gilt brass hilt with two branches and a knuckle bow. Guard, branches and pommel cap are decorated with chased raised foliate motifs. Grooved wood grip covered in shagreen with 11 wraps of twisted wire. Blade etched with floral, martial and patriotic themes and reading Tomes, Son &/ Melvain/New York on the obverse. Saber is accompanied by its brass mounted steel scabbard with acid etched floral patterns on the obverse of the scabbard body. The reverse is engraved between the upper and middle mount: Presented to/Lieut. Col. S.H. Fuller/by Co. K of the 4th Maine Regt./Jany. 1862. This sword is published in Inscribed Union Swords 1861-1865 by David Stroud and is pictured and discussed on pages 102-104. The saber is accompanied by a binder of research about Fuller, his service and his regiment. A period folding mirror identified to fuller is included as well.

Silas M. Fuller was commissioned the captain of Company K of the 4th Maine Infantry on June 15, 1861. The regiment was engaged at the Battle of Bull Run where it was one of the last regiments to leave the field. The regiment's colonel blamed their poor quality arms for their inability more successfully engage the enemy. In September of 1861 Captain Fuller was promoted to Major and joined the field and staff of the regiment. On December 2 Fuller was promoted again to lieutenant colonel, the promotion that Company K honored with this sword. Due to ill health, Fuller resigned in Mach of 1862.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
From the Collection of George Oldenbourg
Condition Report

Very good to fine. Blade with some polish and much of the frosty etching, showing some scattered freckles of discoloration and oxidation. Etching remains clear and visible throughout with some light wear. Guard with some traces of gilt in protected areas. Grip wrap with some wear and surface loss. Wire may be replaced, as typically these Tomes, Son & Melvain sabers had multi-strand "dragoon" style wire. Scabbard a dull pewter patina with scattered oxidation and discoloration and some scattered patches of surface roughness. Mounts with a medium golden patina. Body with some scattered minor dings and dents.


The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email armsarmor@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.