December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
Massachusetts-born William C. Lyman was appointed 1st lieutenant and assistant deputy commissary of ordnance on 19 April 1813. After the war, he was retained in the 1815 peacetime establishment of United States Army, later resigning his commission in 1819. Although most often associated with naval officers, U.S. Army officers frequently wore dirks in lieu of swords, especially when off-duty or for undress occasions (this longstanding practice was officially prohibited in 1813). Although the dirk that once belonged with this scabbard is now lost, it must have been a fine piece, judging by the form and quality of its companion scabbard. The gilded copper scabbard has various patriotic motifs engraved upon it relating to Lyman’s branch of service, including an eagle straddling two cannons. On the throat of the scabbard is one of the earliest depictions known of a US ordnance device, while on the recto of the same is the owner’s name, “W. C. Lyman.” Length: 13 ½ inches; width (at throat): 1 3/8 inches. PROVENANCE: Sold in 2004; William Gimmel Coll. until 2017, when reacquired. CONDITION: 80% of the gilding is worn away, but the masterful engraving work remains strong.