Researching this sword was an eye opener for sure. Civil War Data shows he served from 1862 to 1863 in Louisiana and was dismissed from the service. That was not very interesting. Then I began searching for more and discovered a book titled Sexual Misbehavior in the Civil War, with the story behind Lieutenant Curtis' dismissal. The entry reads "Lieutenant Thomas B Curtis 162nd New York was drunk at Camp Parapet... after Christmas 1862 he went to the guardhouse and asked if any negroes were available. Being answered in the negative he went to the negro quarters and there assaulted and beat a black woman with intent to violate her person. ...days later... He took out his privates and pursued officers with the avowed purpose of making water on them..." I searched further and I found the original court martial records on his case which I show below. Sword itself is a very nice regulation M1850 Foot Officer's sword in slightly higher quality than we usually see. The top scabbard mount bears a well executed engraved presentation that reads... "Presented to 1st Lieut. Thos. B. Curtis 162nd N.Y. Volunteers`by his friends as a token of esteem for him as a citizen & soldier. N.Y. Oct. 2nd 1862" It is kind of sad to know how severely Curtis violated the sentiments on the inscription. Blade is nicely etched. Leather scabbard is solid and strong. Grip wrap and wire are in place. The owner was a S.O.B. for sure.

Materials, Packing, and UPS Shipping on this item is $38.00. Insurance is $1.50 per hundred. UPS charges $5 for the signature required service. The insurance and signature service are optional, but there can be no insurance for theft or loss without the UPS “signature required” service.If you decline signature service and/or insurance and the neighbor kid steals the box off your porch after UPS leaves it.... or if UPS delivers it to the wrong address, or if the UPS truck crashes and burns… You are out of luck. I highly recommend the insurance and signature service.

Very Good