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

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.