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US Model 1850 staff and field officer's sword manufactured by Ames, presented to 2nd Lt. William S. Brackett by General Irving McDowell, engraved on the polished scabbard: "Presented to 2nd Lieutenant Wm. S. Brackett by Brevet Major-General Irvin McDowell, U.S. Army, Oct. 15, 1865." The sword measures 37.5˝ long overall, with a 32˝ slightly curved, single-edged blade featuring half-length etched panels on either side. The blade names the maker above the ricasso, "Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Mass.," with government inspection stamp below: "US / ADK." The etched panel designs along the forte are still clear and visible with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" riband, eagle, and scrolls on the obverse; and a large "US" on the reverse. The ornate brass guard features a large "US" within the scrollwork, and the sharkskin grip with twisted brass wire remains intact. In very good to fine condition.
Union officer Irvin McDowell (1818–1885) is best remembered for his defeat in the First Battle of Bull Run, the first large-scale battle of the American Civil War. At the date of the presentation of the sword, October 15, 1865, Gen. McDowell was commanding the Department of California, stationed in San Francisco.
The recipient of this sword, 2nd Lieut. William S. Brackett, is not found in military records. William Starr Brackett (1821-1888) and his son William Starr Brackett, Jr. (1850-1902) traveled to San Francisco 1864-1865 to settle estate of General John Ely Brackett (1812-1864), who owned valuable land in Sonoma County according to genealogical records. William S. Brackett, Jr. attended the City College of San Francisco during these two years. By 1866, both father and son were back in Peoria, Illinois.
