April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
The upper mount is engraved “Capt. Geo. Clark / [location effaced] Md. / from his uncle / Geo. Clark / Rochester, / N.Y.”. Hartzler collection notes identify the officer as George Clark who served in the 5th New York, Duryee Zouaves, and was discharged to receive a commission in the 3rd Maryland. Muster roll abstracts indicate he was born in New York City, enlisted there on April 25, 1861, at age 23, and mustered into Company D of the 5th New York, as a private for 2 years service on May 9, 1861, and was promoted corporal at a date not stated, and confirm that he mustered out January 31, 1862, “to enable him to receive commission in 3’ Md. Vols.” The 5th New York had been posted in Baltimore since the preceding September and during that period the 3rd Maryland was actively organizing. Clark may have had some combat experience, fitting him for the commission: the 5th New York fought at Big Bethel in June 1861, losing 24 men. He does not appear, however, in any records of the 3rd Maryland, which has a strong fighting record. It is possible that the commission did not come through or he was not mustered in. Paperwork includes a copy of a note indicating the 3rd Maryland had just 5 companies at the time, all with a full complement of officers, and even some of those were not full and thus not entitled to them. Nevertheless, the sword is still an attractive example, and is a extravagant gesture from uncle to nephew. The blade is decorated for most of its length and features neatly etched foliate and patriotic motifs. A palmette flourishes from the ricasso and leads to a nice panel of rococo scrolls, followed by a panoply of arms and terminating with another panel of scrolls. The spine is marked in signature Klingenthal script and the obverse ricasso is stamped with Klingenthal proof marks. The hilt is of brass and features a guard, neatly cast and chased that is adorned with a federal eagle, perched on a patriotic shield, in front of a stand of 8 flags with a banner of 7 stars in between the flags and over the eagle’s head. Small counterguard with open work 4 leaf clover. The guard terminates with a thick tiered quillon and morphs into the knucklebow, which starts with open slot teardrop designs before forming into a narrow pillar that connects to the pommel. Foliate rococo motifs adorn the pommel with a leafy vine that travels down the backstrap. The grip is constructed of wood, wrapped in high quality sharkskin and grooved in order to accommodate the twisted copper wire. The scabbard is of leather and features brass mounts which feature engraved decorations around the edges. The lower mount is adorned with lush leaves and scrolls. Upper and middle mount each accommodate a single band with carry ring. This sword is featured on pgs. 122-124 of "Inscribed Union Swords 1861-1865". CONDITION: The blade exhibits a light patina with scattered freckling and blemishes from age. Crisp etchings and markings. Hilt exhibits a pleasing patina with scattered blemishes. Grip exhibits handling wear with some strands of loose wire. The scabbard is somewhat supple but is misshapen. A metal rod has been inserted in the scabbard in order for it to keep its shape. Mounts remain firmly secured to the scabbard body. Verdigris is visible around the edges of the mounts. The scabbard exhibits scattered blemishes from handling and age with scattered cracks and 1 attempted repair toward the lower mount. A very nice example of a Klingenthal presentation sword.
Paperwork
Folder of Research