June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/9/2017
Slightly curved fullered blade, right side dated 1862 on ricasso and etched with detailed images of soldiers, one with a musket in front of a patriotic shield, the other a soldier carrying the American flag. Left side stamped "COLLINS&CO./HARTFORD/CONN." on ricasso and engraved "TIFFANY/& CO./N.Y." near top of blade. Left side also features etched and engraved scenes of a soldier thrusting a musket with bayonet, a large "US" and a patriotic eagle with "E. Pluribus Unum" banner. Finely decorated gilt brass hilt with pierced guard decorated with large "US", pommel decorated with detailed patriotic shield in relief. Silver grip with braided silver wire. Black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts, top mount inscribed "Presented/to/Capt. Geo. Van Beek/by/CoA33MoVol." Back of top mount decorated with stars and with a relief "TIFFANY & CO" banner. George W. Vanbeek enlisted on May 1, 1861, Company K 27th Missouri Mounted Infantry. Mustered out August 8, 1861. On September 1, 1862 George re-enlisted as captain Company A 33rd Missouri Infantry, promoted to major May 29, 1863. Engagements include: White River Expedition, Fort Pemberton Mississippi, Red River Campaign, Fort Derussy and Helena Arkansas. Vanbeek was sighted by col. Heath 33rd Missouri Infantry "Of The Men Of The 33rd Missouri Who Distinguished Themselves by Coolness, Activity and Determination maybe mentioned George W. Vanbeek Superintending batteries A & B". Pleasant Hill, Marksville, Bayou Deglaize, Tupelo Nashville, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely. He was discharges August 10, 1865 and died February 27th, 1877. Excellent condition, blade retains nearly all of original polish and shows very little wear, some minor grey spotting. Hilt retains perhaps 80-90% original gilt finish, with some edge wear and wear on top of pommel, where hand would be rested. Grip has a dark patina and a few dents. Scabbard very good, but missing drag. Shows crazing overall and some scattered scuffs. Mounts retain about 90-95% gilt finish. A fine Tiffany presentation sword!