This inexpensive European imported  Mdl. 1850 Officer's sword was carried by a very Brave and Courageous man.  It is inscribed to him on the throat of it's original  scabbard "Lt. Stephen A. Swail  54th Mass .Inf." He was the First African–American to be commissioned an Officer in the U.S. Army.  After the Civil War he became Mayor of Kingstree,S.C, a State Senator, a member of the Electoral College , a attorney and publisher of his own Newspaper.  He opened a Law firm with a former Confederate soldier as his partner. In 1877 when the Federal troops were withdrawn from the South the old hatred came back and he had to leave . Through his Republican connections he found work in Washington D.C
 where he lived until his death in 1900. 
He had an outstanding Military career. After the Battle of Ft. Wagner (Glory) he was promoted to Sergeant.  He was twice WIA and twice promoted eventually to 1st Lieutenant.  His second time WIA was on Feb. 20,1864 at the Battle of Olustee, Fla. where he was shot in the head.  After the Civil war he became Mayor of Kingstree, S.C , publisher of a Newspaper,  State Senator, member of the Electoral College and a Lawyer. His law partner was former Confederate Soldier. In 1877 the Federal troops were withdrawn from the South and the old hatreds resurfaced to the point that Lt. Swail  had his life threatened. Through his Republican connections he found work in Washington ,D.C He remained there until his death in 1900. 
This great sword is a real  piece of  American History!   
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