Presentation sword Lt. Col. Mears, US Sharpshooter

Beautiful investment grade sword of Lt. Col. Frederick Mears, the officer credited with doing most of the training for the entire US Sharpshooter Corps.

Lt. Col. Frederick Mears was a regular U.S. Army Officer and trained the green Sharpshooter recruits and Officers in individual and company drill. Basic training of a Federal soldier in 1861 consisted of learning the manual of arms, following orders, parade drill and marching. Under his guidance the Sharpshooters were successfully drilled in basic training, skirmishing and guard duty. Mears accompanied by very few other officers and non-commissioned officers who had military experience, did their best to instruct the recruits in the elements of skirmishing. In skirmish drill, the officers and NCO's impressed upon each man the idea of his own individuality, and the responsibility that rest upon him. Mears did more than any other officer to ready the Sharpshooters for war. He voluntarily left the regiment, but went on to have a very successful military career. He was later promoted to full Colonel and commanded the 4th U.S. Infantry. He died at his post, Fort Spokane, Washington state, in 1892.