September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
A fantastic fresh to the market archive of Colonel Hiram Clay Alleman who served 3 terms of service during the Civil War. The lot consists of his stunning presentation grade sword that features a double etched blade with beautifully frosted patriotic and foliate motifs on each side. The obverse features a panel that is etched "Lt. Col. H.C. Alleman" with reverse featuring a federal eagle perched on a shield in the foreground of a spread of American flags. Blade is etched with the retailer "G.W. Simons / & Bro: / Manfr's / Philada, Pa." on the obverse ricasso. This sword was assembled by Philadelphia jeweler George W. Simon who is listed as “Geo. W. Simon & Bro.” during the Civil War, and was a jeweler and sword mounter with business located on Sansom Street in Philadelphia. Simon assembled swords using both imported and domestic blades with his company name etched on the ricasso. The panel on the reverse ricasso is etched in a checker pattern with the words "UNION FOR EVER" with stars and stripes. A faint patina has set in on the blade with scattered blemishes that are most evident after the etched panels. There are small areas of rust on either side of the ricasso. The rest of the blade shines and the etched panels remain undisturbed with distinct definition to the embellishments. The hilt is as breathtaking as the blade and features a beautifully gilded eagle between the letters "US" with open scrollwork, followed by an eagle head quillon with gemstone eyes. Grip is of silver with thick scroll decorations and Columbia with sword and patriotic shield. The pommel features gilded foliage that leads to a spread winged eagle. The hilt exhibits generous traces of original gilding with a light patina that has begun to set in. There are a few areas of loss, particularly by the claws of the eagle, but the overall appearance is not affected by these aged areas. The sword is complete with its scabbard which, like the ricasso, features excellent amounts of its original gilding. The presentation is located between the mounts and reads "Presented to Lt. Col. H.C. Alleman / BY / Non Com Officers and Privates, / OF THE 127th Regt P.V. / As a Token of Esteem". The presentation is contained in a thick braided frame and is surrounded by the beautifully cast and chased mounts each of which boast their own decorations. The upper mount features an "A" contained in a frame with elegant leafy borders. The A is highlighted by pearl decoration. The middle mount features arms and armor and each mount exhibits a thickly braided carry ring. The drag features beautiful scrollwork that compliments the rest of the scabbard. The upper mount's decoration has separated at some point and is secured by string The scabbard exhibits areas of gilt loss but presents excellently and remains dignified. The sword is contained in its original leather wrapped and blue velvet lined presentation grade case. The group also includes Alleman's field used Staff and Field Officer's sword. The sword features a double etched blade embellished with foliate and patriotic motifs. Ricasso is marked "P.D.L.". A mellow patina has set in on the blade but the decorations remain defined. Hilt features a guard with open scrollwork that surrounds the letters "US" with oxidation noticed throughout the motifs. Shagreen wrapped wood grip that is grooved to accommodate twisted brass wire. Grip exhibits oxidation but wrap remains tight with slightly loose wire. The sword is complete with its metal scabbard that exhibits a pleasing finish with patina. Mounts are mostly plain and remain secured to the scabbard body. Drag with scattered small dents. There is also a NCO sword that is marked by Ames enclosed within an unraveled scroll and "U.S. / J.M. / 1862". The blade is bright with scattered blemishes. Hilt with mellow patina. Complete with its leather scabbard that features 1 break that is repaired by tape and the drag is separated. There is also large 28" x 18" silver serving tray that is embellished with ornate scrollwork that surrounds a presentation to Col. and Mrs. Alleman that was presented as a gift of congratulations for their marriage in 1889. The tray exhibits a pleasing patina with embellishments that remain visible. Lastly, there is a oil on canvas painting of the Colonel in his uniform. The painting measures 28" x 33" and is mounted on a gilded wood frame. The colors remain vibrant with a 1" tear on Alleman's beard. Hiram Clay Alleman was born in 1831 and was a 30-year-old attorney residing in Harrisburg, PA when he enlisted as a Captain on 8/5/62 at Harrisburg, PA. On 8/9/62 he was commissioned into Co. D, 127th Pennsylvania and was promoted to Lt. Colonel on 8/16/62. He commanded the 127th at Fredericksburg where he was wounded in the leg by a shell fragment and at Chancellorsville where he was struck in the ribs by a shell fragment, falling from his horse. He was mustered out of service along with the regiment on 5/29/63. In June 1863 upon Lee’s advance towards Pennsylvania, Alleman recruited the 36th Pennsylvania Militia and was appointed Colonel. He marched his command to Gettysburg following the battle, where he was made Military Governor of the town, battlefield, and hospitals. His unit was responsible for collecting the dead, wounded, and lost soldiers in the area as well as equipment including muskets, blankets, wagons, horses, and mules. Alleman mustered out of the 36th along with the rest of its members on 8/11/63, so his duties at Gettysburg lasted just 5 - 1/2 weeks. He was then elected to the PA House of Representatives, serving from 1864-1865. He later practiced law in Philadelphia, and in 1873 was appointed Attorney of the United States for Colorado. Alleman died in New York City in 1906, and is buried in Washington, DC. This is a fantastic archive from a gentleman soldier with an impressive service history that includes an excellent sword which stands out on its own. CONDITION: Fair-very good.
Item Dimensions: 42" x 33"
Blade Length
(A) 32" (B) 32" (C) 32 - 3/8"
Overall Length
(A) 40 - 3/4" (B) 39" (C) 39 - 3/4"
Paperwork
Serving Tray, Painting