November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Born in Prussia about 1830, Schad was commissioned Captain of Company D of the 4th Maryland, the “German Rifles,” on January 12, 1862. The regiment was consolidated with and redesignated as the 3rd Maryland on May 7, with Schad becoming Captain of Company E. They moved to Harpers Ferry on May 24, and took part in Pope’s operations in the Shenandoah and Northern Virginia, becoming part of the Second Corps under General Nathaniel Banks. On August 9, 1862, Schad was wounded in fighting at Cedar Mountain while leading Company E in a bayonet charge, he was shot in the right forearm and right lower jaw. At one point Union forces threatened Stonewall Jackson with defeat, who later regrouped and repulsed the Federal advances. He was invalided for his wound and resigned October 21 because of disability. His Declaration for an Invalid Pension reads: “Being in line of battle he has commanded the above name company to make charge with bayonets against the enemy who made an attack against an United States battery and in defending the same he was shot twice, receiving the aforesaid (gunshot wound in his right forearm) and following wound: A gunshot wound in his right lower jaw”. Lee’s advance into Maryland in the Gettysburg Campaign, however, brought him back into service, taking a commission as Captain in the 10th Maryland, recruited for 6 months’ service, serving from June 14, 1863, to January 29, 1864. The unit was posted to Harpers Ferry, guarding lines of communication along the upper Potomac, but did see some active service, on October 19 pushing Confederates out of Charlestown, where they had captured 5 companies of the 9th Maryland. Schad mustered out on expiration of his term of service. He was apparently in the hospitality business in civilian life, running a bar before the war and restaurant in Baltimore afterward. Due to the addictive effects of morphine caused by treatment from his war wounds, Schad died from an overdose on February 9, 1886. This presentation grade heavy cavalry saber is quite attractive and would compliment the uniform on an officer such as Captain Schad. The presentation is located on the upper mount and reads “Presented to/ Capt. Chas. M. Schad / by Co. H. 10th Regt. / Md. Vols.” in nice script engraving. Due to the unit inscription, this sword was most likely presented to Schad for his reintroduction to the Army after he was brought back into the service in 1863. The decorations are elegant, with the blade ornamented with etched motifs on each side. The obverse features a stand of arms, resting on the plain ricasso, complete with flags, fasces, drums, shield, and liberty cap. The flags point upwards towards neatly etched scrolls, followed by a spread winged federal eagle with “E Pluribus Unum” banner between the wings, leading to rococo scrolls which morph into lush foliate vines. The reverse also features a stand of arms, resting above the ricasso marked “CLAUBERG / SOLINGEN, the name resembling an oval frame around the signature Clauberg knight. The aforementioned stand of arms features a shield, surrounded by various weapons and crossed flags with a center patriotic banner topped with a liberty cap. The flags point upward toward elegant scrollwork which flanks the scrolled letters “U.S.” on each side. More scrollwork leads to a nicely draped banner which morphs into lush foliate vines. The decorations on each side are contained in a panel, appearing as a column which terminates into waves that resemble a burning flame. The hilt is attractive and features a 3-band cavalry guard, neatly cast and chased with laurel leaves. A nice wide quillon features a blooming flower on the underside. Pommel with laurel decorations and a domed cap. The grip is constructed of wood, grooved and wrapped with high quality sharkskin with strands of twisted wire that fit neatly into the grooves. Constructed of steel, the scabbard compliments the sword with its scalloped and gilded brass mounts. The upper and middle mount each feature a single band, each accommodating a carry ring. CONDITION: The blade remains bright with crisp decorations. Scattered areas of light freckling and traces of old oil which could be cleaned. Guard exhibits a pleasing patina with scattered blemishes from handling and age. Grip exhibits great sharkskin wrap with typical blemishes from handling. The scabbard features a nice finish with scattered areas of freckling and blemishes from wear and handling. Mounts retain a nice amount of gilding with unmolested presentation. Brass throat is in place. This is an excellent example of a presentation grade Model 1840 Cavalry saber inscribed to an officer who was wounded at Cedar Mountain. This saber is featured on pages 105-106 of “Inscribed Union Swords” 1861-1865” and is accompanied by a folder containing scanned pages of the text as well as research regarding the service of Captain Schad.
Paperwork
Folder with Research