Manufactured c. 1860-1861 by the Ames Mfg. Co., this M1850 Foot Officer's pattern sword measures approximately 38 1/4 inches overall. The gently curved blade has floral and martial etching on both sides for about half the length, and the Ames maker's mark is etched on the lower right. The pierced guard is gilt finished brass with floral motifs and "US". The grip is brass wire wrapped shagreen. The pommel is also gilt brass and is inscribed with "Presented to Major John A. Cregier by his friends April 25th 1861. The scabbard has a browned finish with gilt brass fittings, the top two with floral bands, top band with Ames markings, and three gilt hanging chains. Major John A. Cregier was commissioned in the newly formed 11th New York "Fire Zouves", which were a "90 days" regiment, in April of 1861. The regiment was raised in New York with the enlisted men coming primarily from the city's fire departments, hence their nickname. Initially the regiment was tasked with the defense of Washington D.C. and then moved to Arlington Heights, Virginia. While at Arlington Heights, colonel E. Elmer Ellsworth of the regiment entered a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, removed a Confederate flag, and was promptly shot by the proprietor, who was subsequently shot and bayoneted by pvt. Brownell of Co. A. Ellsworth is noted as the first known casualty of the war and Brownell's actions were the earliest in the war that led to the award of the Medal of Honor. With the death of their colonel, lieutenant colonel Noah Farham was promoted to colonel and major Cregier was promoted to lieutenant colonel. The regiment was heavily involved at the First Battle of Bull Run, where they initially held their ground against troops under "Stonewall" Jackson and were charged by cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart. Colonel Farham was wounded in the battle and when the 11th broke, Cregier rallied the regiment and assumed command. As the entire Union army withdrew, the "Fire Zouaves" were selected as the rear guard, which is likely where they suffered their heaviest casualties. In all, the regiment had 35 killed, 74 wounded, and 68 captured at Bull Run. In September of 1861, Cregier resigned his commission.

Very fine, the blade is mostly bright with some scattered patches of light spotting and mostly crisp etching. Traces of the original gilt finish remain in sheltered areas with the balance of the brass showing an attractively aged patina. There is a wide split in the grip running the full length of the left side. The scabbard is fine with a mix of brown finish and brown patina and brass condition similar to the sword. A very attractive presentation sword with connections to one of the more unique regiments of the early Civil War!