Historic and Unique, Cased Ames Sword presented to Colonel Jesse H. Moore "The Fighting Pastor" of the 115th Illinois Infantry by the Officers and Enlisted men of his command.  
The sword is hilted with a solid silver repousse fashioned grip with chased and chiseled background. The pommel-cap is adorned with the head of an officer wearing a kepi surrounded by staffs and crossed cannons. The hand-guard is decoratively cast, chiseled and engraved, and highlighted with a panel bordering a detailed panoply of arms. It appears there is a pin-star missing from the back of the pommel, easily replaced. The entire hilt is lavishly gold gilted and retains 100% of this brilliant finish, as does its presentation grade scabbard, which is wonderfully engraved with a standing Lady Liberty surrounded by floral motif engraving and mounted in large decorative mounts featuring silver inlays. The scabbard is also inscribed PRESENTED TO / COL. J.H. MOORE. 115 ILLS I. / BY OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN / OF HIS REGIMENT. The other side of the scabbard is inscribed MCAFEE CHURCH. / CHICKAMANGA. / WAHATCHIE. / DALTON. & / RESACA. Ricasso marked AMES / MFG CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS. The 31 1/2-inch slightly curved blade is also unique. It is unquestionably etched by the same artist that executed many Tiffany Sword blades of the period. In addition, its uniqueness is unsurpassed in that the blade is Bronze gilt, virtually unheard of in American edged weapons. Archival Ames documents actually discuss a presentation sword of the period that was prepared for an exhibition that was specially dressed with a blade of bronze gilt. Again, the blade is near mint and finely etched with Patriotic motifs. The extra field scabbard is near mint, retaining all of its lacquered blue-brown finish and all of the gold gilt to its mounts. Within its original, burl walnut form-fitted case is Moore's Officers belt, sash and gold-bullion sword knot as well as a chamois sword wrap in a hidden compartment. Case is approximately 43-inches long and 5-inches in height.
Note: In August, 1862, while serving as pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Decatur, he was commissioned colonel of the 115th Illinois Regiment. He commanded the regiment in all its battles and in nearly all of its campaigns, the only exceptions being when he was in command of the brigade. His courage and ability were shown and recognized in every battle, and his faithfulness to duty and his untiring devotion to the welfare of his regiment was manifested in every campaign. In the battle of Chickamauga he fearlessly led his regiment in the repeated assaults on the famous Snodgrass Hill, his horse being twice shot from under him, and receiving the highest commendation of the generals commanding. Also, he commanded the old "Iron Brigade," the second brigade, first division, 4th army corps, from the close of the battle of Nashville till the regiment was mustered out in June, 1865, well earning the brevet rank of brigadier-general given him by President Lincoln in April, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of battle.".
Unquestionably the most spectacular, Civil War Era, Ames Presentation Staff Officers Sword ever offered at public sale. This magnificent and most deluxe example of edged weaponry created by Ames Manufacturing is hands-down, by all who have examined it, the most elegant and striking American Staff Officer Sword ever created by Ames, considered by most historians as the king of United States Martial Edged Weapons during the nineteenth century. Cataloguing and research of this historic sword was provided by www.HistoricalArms.com. For more information on Jesse H. Moore, please see: https://www.geni.com/people/Brevet-Brig-Gen-Jesse-H-Moore-USA/6000000012857068402

Provenance:
Michael E. Simens Collection.
Property of a Gentleman.

Condition: In as close to "as-new" condition as can be found in any collecting field, it exhibits features that are unique productions to its manufacturer. Minor handling wear overall to sword and scabbards with minor tarnish. Case and accessories with normal age, scuffs and light handling wear. Leather belt with moderate wear and scuffs.