November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Professionally engraved in script on the upper mount “Lieut. J.H. Abbott / from the B.C.G. Co. G 13th Regt. / Baltimore June 1862.”. The presentation would certainly be from the Baltimore City Guard (B.C.G.). No likely Lt. J.H. Abbott shows up in Maryland or Confederate records. The recipient is perhaps Lt. Josiah H. Abbott, Company G, 13th New York. The regiment served from April to August 1861 at Annapolis and Baltimore, and was called up again from May to September 1862, during which Abbott served as 2nd Lieutenant of Company G. At that point the regiment served in the 7th Corps at Suffolk, Virginia, but it is possible that friends made earlier in Baltimore may have presented him the sword during his 1862 service. The 13th New York accumulated an impressive combat chronicle, serving in many campaigns in the Eastern Theater. The regiment lost a total of 100 men during service, including 4 officers and 67 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, and 29 enlisted men succumbing to disease. The sword is attractive, and would compliment the accoutrements of a field officer. The blade is decorated for nearly half its length with brilliantly engraved designs that are inlaid with gold. Decorations include elegant scrollwork intertwined with foliate vines which flank an excellently detailed spread winged federal eagle, with patriotic shield protecting its breast and a banner which reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM” clutched in its beak. The designs are contained in a well-executed column which terminates in rococo scrolls. The reverse blade features the same designs with the eagle replaced by the letters “U.S.”. The ricasso bears the proper Clauberg markings, with the obverse featuring the signature Clauberg knight, and the reverse stamped “W. CLAUBERG / SOLINGEN”. The hilt is neatly cast, with a guard that features neatly executed open floral scrollwork, which terminates with a leafy quillon and morphs into a D-shaped knucklebow. The pommel is adorned with leafy branches which flank a flower and lead to the tiered cap. A leather portepee is affixed to the knucklebow. The scabbard compliments the sword and features beautiful gilded mounts which match the gilding of the hilt. The leather is wrapped with a high-quality sharkskin, much like the wrap on the grooved wood grip that is held in place by twisted wire. Mounts each feature bands with carry rings. CONDITION: The blade exhibits an admirable patina and seems to reflect a golden hue at some angles due to the highlighted decorations. Ample amounts of the gold inlay remain and the decorations are crisp. Hilt exhibits a pleasing patina with light blemishes from handling and wear. The grip is slightly loose and produces a wobble, but the sharkskin wrap remains secure with tight wire. Wear from handling. The scabbard is very nice with no cracks and a generous quantity of gilding remains on the mounts. Upper mount is loose with unmolested presentation. The scabbard body and mounts exhibit scattered blemishes from wear and handling. This is a very attractive example of a presentation grade foot officer’s sword.
Paperwork
Folder with Collection Notes