Imported Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword of Lt. William Tompkins - 115th NY - KIA at Olustee

American Civil War

30.5" single edged spear point blade with 20.5" stopped median fuller, blade 1" wide at ricasso. Overall length 36.5" with a 6" hilt with the typical gilt brass cast floral motif guard and grooved wooden grip with traces of leather covering and wire wrap. Blade decorated with acid etched panels showing patriotic and martial themes as well as a large US in the center of the blade on the reverse. The sword is contained in a well worn leather covered steel scabbard with brass mounts. The upper mount is engraved on the obverse below the throat: 2nd Lieut./Wm Tompkins/Co. C 115th Regt./N.Y.S.V. A binder of information and research about Tompkins and his service accompanies the sword.

William Tompkins joined the 115th New York Volunteer Infantry as a 2nd lieutenant on August 20, 1862 in Fonda, NY. He was officially mustered into Company C of the regiment on September 10. The regiment was deployed to Harpers Ferry and participated in its unsuccessful defense from September 12-15, when it was surrendered with the entire garrison to Confederates. The following day the regiment was paroled and sent to Camp Douglas, IL to await official exchange. After their exchange the regiment was sent to Hilton Head, SC in January of 1863 where they were stationed until February of 1864 when they took part in the expedition to and occupation of Jacksonville, FL. On February 20, the regiment took part in the Battle of Olustee (also called Ocean Pond) where they suffered a substantial number of casualties, including 59 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, 185 men wounded and 45 missing. Additionally three officers were killed, including the regimental colonel and 2nd Lieutenant Tompkins.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg