Beschreibung:

32" blade with etched panels of military panoply of arms, US, E. Pluribus Unum also in a panel close to the ricasso is in an etched panel B. Kittridge Cincinnati Ohio. Stamped on the ricasso Collins & Co Hartford Conn and dated 1862, in three lines and a oval. The hilt is cast brass with U.S. and Eagle quillon, the handle is cast brass simulating rope design and wire. Scabbard of highly polished blue steel with highly embellished bands and drag. An inscription plate with presentation engraved: Presented To Lt Wm Hudson By Co G 23 Reg Ky Infantry Stone River. William Hudson enlisted on 11/11/1861 at the old Regular Army barracks in Newport, Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati. He was appointed 2nd Lieut in Company B, 23rd Ky Vol. Infantry to date from the same day and served with them until his promotion to 1st Lieut. in Otcober 1862, when he was transferred to Co. C. A couple months later the 23rd, as part of William Grose's brigade, suffered 8 killed and 51 wounded at the battle of Stone River (for which Hudson was presented this sword.) In June 1863 the regiment moved south on the Tullahoma Campaign and was severely engaged at Chickamauga in late September 1863, where initially two companies were thrown out as skirmishers, "I" under Capt. Black and "C" under Lieut. Hudson. Eventually "the fire now was very hot," regimental commander Foy later reported. "It appeared to me as though every third man in the regiment was struck. I was struck on the right breast, the bullet going through the lapels of my overcoat, and struck a large button, glancing off, during no injury." Ultimately the 23rd lost 10 killed and 48 wounded. Following the battle, the regiment transferred to William Hazen's brigade and took part in the strategically important operation at Brown's Ferry, which effectively opened Chattanooga's supply line and led to the complete Union victory at Mission Ridge, which the 23rd helped take by direct assault. As now part of the Fourth Corps, the 23rd was present throughout the "battle of May, June, July and August", as the soldier's called the Atlanta Campaign. During July Hudson was promoted to Captain of his company. The regiment took part in the Fall of 1864 Tennessee Campaign, and was in line at both Franklin and Nashville. After four long years of active service, Hudson and the 23rd were finally mustered out at Victoria, Texas in December 1865. Condition: Blade is smooth and gunmetal grey with some brown staining. Brass handle has nice dark untouched patina. Scabbard has nice untouched patina. The drag is a period replacement. Great presentation sword that came through the famous B. Kittridge Arms Company.