Captain E.L. Jones, Company D, 54th Massachusetts Infantry, WIA Fort Wagner, South Carolina, Model 1850 foot officer's presentation sword.

37 1/2 in. overall length with a 30 in. single-edged spear point blade with a 3/4 x 20 1/2 in. median fuller. Marker's mark stamped on ricasso, “Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Mass.” (blade with light pitting throughout). Cast gilt brass hilt with half basket guard decorated with open work and chased floral motifs. Grip with tightly wound brass wire. Cast pommel cap decorated with floral patterns. Steel scabbard with four brass mounts, one stamped “Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Mass.” Mounts include throat, two suspension mounts, and the drag (brass mount near drag with heavy dent). Brass mount near throat inscribed, “Capt. E.L. Jones / 54th Mass. Vol.” Complete with gold bullion sword knot.

Edward L. Jones enlisted on 8/29/1862 as a sergeant and mustered into Company F, Massachusetts 44thInfantry. He was later discharged for promotion on 4/16/1863 and commissioned a 1st lieutenant with Company D, 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the famed first African American regiment recruited in the north. Jones was quickly promoted to captain on 5/25/1863 but was wounded nearly two months later at Fort Wagner, SC, 7/18/1863, and discharged for wounds on 12/16/1864.

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca