US Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword Inscribed to CHT - Charles H. Tobey of the 58th Mass Volunteers - WIA at Spotsylvania and Petersburg, POW Petersburg

American Civil War

30.5" single edged slightly curved spear point blade, 36.25" in overall length. 5.75" hilt with gilt brass guard, shagreen covered grooved wood grip with thirteen wraps of twisted wire. Blade etched with flowing foliate scrolls and patterns, along with martial and patriotic themes. Presumed Ames address etching gone from the obverse. Includes a gilt brass mounted browned steel scabbard that is missing the throat and is inscribed C.H.T./58th Regt. Mass. Vols. The sword is accompanied by a CDV of Tobey and a large binder of information about him. Two issues of Civil War Times are also included that discuss him, a gun of his owned by Norm Flayderman and a follow up story about Tobey that discusses this sword.

Charles H. Tobey was a 21 year old clerk when he enlisted in Company L of the 3rd Mass Infantry. The 90-day regiment mustered out on July 22, 1861. The regiment was reorganized in the fall of 1862 for 9 months, and Tobey was enlisted as a sergeant in Company E, serving until the regiment was mustered out in late June of 1863. Tobey then enrolled in the 58th Mass Infantry and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in Company D on January 22, 1864. On March 3 he was promoted to 1st lieutenant. The regiment saw its first major combat at the Wilderness, followed by Spotsylvania where Tobey was wounded and then Cold Harbor. From there the regiment moved to the Siege of Petersburg and on June 17 Tobey was wounded during the initial series of attacks on that stronghold. On June 18th he was promoted to captain and transferred to command Company K. On September 30, 1864 Tobey was captured at Poplar Grove Church (Peeble's Farm) and was not exchanged until February 23, 1865. He mustered out with the regiment on July 14, 1865.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

This lot is located in Cincinnati.