Rare US Navy Silver Grip Sword of Acting Ensign Henry H. Collamore
Rare identified US Navy Civil War officers sword of Henry H. Collamore. Agent marked on blade Virgil Price of New York. Collamore's sword and service history is well documented in 'US Naval Officers Their Swords and Dirks' by Peter Tuite, 2004, Mowbray Publishing. Collamore was born in Pembroke, Massachusetts on Febuary 3rd, 1841 and was a mariner before the war. He was a mate on January 7th, 1861. During the Civil War he served on Roanoke, Commodore Perry and Maratanz. He was promoted to acting ensign on April 4th, 1864. While on the Maratanz, he participated in the capture of Fort Fisher, the capture of two Confederate gunboats, and finally the capture of Fort Anderson in February 1865. Collamore returned to the sea and sailed until 1878 when an injury forced him ashore. He died in Pembroke on December 9th, 1918 at age 77. His service records indicate he had the tattoo HHC on his right forearm. The silver grip is 5 1/2 inches long with its non-pattern pommel decorated with a simple floral border. The pommel and guard are very deeply chased relative to the standard 1852 pattern. The slightly curved is stamped with the number 14 on its top spine. Blade is 28 3/4 inch long, 1 1/8 inches wide and over 3/8 inches thick at the ricasso. The frosted blade is etched over 16 inches. The blade obverse has a cross hatched long tower surrounded by leaves, anchor with shield in a simple border, frame of 16 stars with inner border containg the owner's name, a stand of arms with seven pikes, the center pike topped by a flag with engraved USN. The blade reverse has the supplier's name, a spread winged eagle sitting on a wheeled carronade with sunrays above, a fouled anchor, a horizontal USN in a twisted ribbon, a long fouled line within oak leaves and acorns, completed by sunrays. The leather scabbard has very elaborate engraved mounts. A spectacular example of a privately purchased naval officer's sword. I believe this sword is a product of Emerson and Silver based on several similarities to other examples bearing their mark.
Our Price: $8,500.00
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