November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
An attractive example of a Model 1860 presentation sword with ornate blade and inscribed counterguard. The sword is presentation grade, but in the standard M1860 configuration with double edged spearpoint blade and long ricasso. The blade is embellished on both sides and features elegant decorations which includes ornate scrollwork that is gold washed. The scrolls flank a panoply of arms on the obverse and a suit of armor on the reverse. Ricasso is marked "HORSTMANN / PHILADELPHIA" on the obverse and a shield proof on the reverse that is partially obscured by the gold wash. The hilt is of cast brass with a guard that features an eagle perched in front of a stand of flags. The grip is also of cast brass decorated with nice stippling and cast wire which is accommodated by the grooves. Nice foliate ferrules compliment the floral motif on the D-shaped knucklebow which leads to the pommel, decorated on 1 side with a shield and an eagle on the other. Pommel cap features a blossoming flower. An officer's portepee is tied around the knucklebow. The sword is complete with its original iron scabbard which was nickeled and features gilded brass mounts. Mounts are neatly decorated with scroll designs with 2 carry rings on the upper mount and 1 carry ring on the middle mount. The folding counterguard is professionally engraved in simple sans serif block letters, “CAPTAIN CHARLES W. ADAMS / COMPANY F FIRST MARYLAND US VOLS INFANTRY / BY THE MEMBERS OF HIS COMPANY.” This sword was presented to Adams by his company during its service in the U.S. Volunteer Forces called for by President McKinley in April 1898 to augment the regular army at the start of the Spanish American War. Maryland fielded 2 infantry regiments, 1 formed around the First Regiment of Infantry, Maryland National Guard. The First was scattered around the state with Co. F based at Easton, where Adams, born in Tennessee in 1858, had lived since 1889. He served as the company’s captain twice before the war: September to December 1893 and April 1893 to April 1897. In April 1898 he organized the company to enter the volunteer service and was again elected captain, activating it May 3 and mustering it into US service May 16 with his own commission dating May 17. They journeyed with the rest of the unit, now titled “First Maryland USV (First Regiment I., M.N.G.,)” to Fort Monroe, Virginia, on May 19. Expectations of joining the invasion of Puerto Rico were thwarted by the August 1898 armistice and the regiment spent the remainder of its service at Camp Meade, Pennsylvania, and Augusta, Georgia. Adams mustered out with the regiment in February 1899 after the signing of the peace treaty, but joined the national guard regiment as captain once again in 1902, being promoted to major in 1905, and lieutenant colonel in July 1909. As lieutenant colonel he was with the regiment during its Mexican Border service in 1916 and at the beginning of its transformation into the 115th US Infantry at the beginning of World War I, being honorably discharged for physical disability in February 1918 and dying in October from Bright’s Disease, which he was said to have contracted during his Mexican Border service. He was also noted to having served at some point as Second Lieutenant in the Mississippi National Guard, perhaps before he took up residence in Easton. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a gray patina with generous amounts of the gold wash that remain. Hilt features a pleasing patina with scattered blemishes from age and handling. The scabbard features most of the original nickel finish with scattered oxidation throughout its length. Brass mounts retain nice amounts of gilding. A very presentable M1860 sword. Accompanying the sword is a folder of research regarding Adams' service. He was originally misidentified as Civil War veteran Charles W Adams of Alexander's Baltimore Battery. There is research for both Adams in the folder, as well as enlistment card for Civil War veteran Charles Adams and a nice 8x7 photo of the Maryland National Guard marching in formation, dated 1888.
Paperwork
Folder of Research