LIEUT H.I.ALSPACH CIVIL WAR SWORD

CIVIL WAR FOOT OFFICERS SWORD PRESENTED TO H. I. ALSPACH FEB 1863
34.25 '' blademade bt Hortsmann & Sons, Philadelphia, with etched panel on both sides '' U.S'' and '' E. Pluribus Unum ''
Brass hilt and shagreen handle. Black leather scabbard with brass fittings and a attached brass oval plate that reads '' Presented by the citizen's of LLewellyn, to Lieut H.J. Alspach Co. A, 50th Regt, P.V. as a testimonial of Their Appreciation of His Gallant Services in His Country's Defense Feb 1863

Alspach enlisted as 1st sergeant in Company A in September & served for the duration,mustering out in July 1865,

Alspach was promoted 2nd Lieutenant in September 1862 & first Lieutenant in September 1864, he was advanced to Captain in October 1864,but never mustered . The 50th Pennsylvania was a 9th corps outfit that saw extensive service in both theaters. The regiment was involved in South Carolina coastal operations before reinforcing the main Army for Popes 1862 summer campaign, seeing action at Groveton, 2nd Bull Run and Chantilly. The 50th was engaged at Antietam and Fredericksburg, transferring west in the winter of 1863 and joining Grant's Army at Vicksburg. The regiment participated in Burnside's dreary Knoxville campaign before rejoining Grant now in command of the Army of the Potomac for the deadly summer deadly battles intended to outflank and wear down Lee's Army through attrition.

The veteran Pennsylvanians served until the very end of Appomattox and proudly marched in the Grand Review on May 23rd 1865. Before mustering out on July 30 the regiment was selected to represent the infantry of the Army of the Potomac at the laying of the cornerstone at the Gettysburg National Monument on July 4th.
This sword was likely a silent witness to that momentous event. Shagreen handle is void of its brass wire. Etched panels are 100% legible. Leather sheath with expected scuff . Brass fittings have oxidized to a nice dark color. Brass inscription plate has a beautiful mustard color