Henry Van Ness Boynton (1835-1905) was recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Missionary Ridge while a Major in the 35th Ohio. Boynton would return to active duty during the Spanish American War as a Brig. General and almost single-handedly is responsible for the formation of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks. This sword of the absolute highest quality of 19th century statue hilts made by Tiffany and other top makers was presented to General Boynton in 1898 in a public ceremony in Chattanooga by Captain L. T. Dickinson, a Confederate veteran. "In appreciation for his tireless work at Chickamauga the citizens of Chattanooga bought Boynton "the beautiful jeweled sword" whose estimated value was $1,000". The sword has a massive full figure Lady Liberty with shield in gilt and silver with outstretched arm holding furled American flag which forms the knuckle bow and the stars are diamond-like gems. The knuckle bow terminates with flag folded around eagle head quillon with red garnet cabochon eyes. Obverse cross guard, about 3-1/2" across shows a view of Chattanooga engraved in relief from a perspective on Lookout Mountain showing Moccasin Bend of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga to the right. The reverse folding languette shows Lookout Mountain above the Tennessee River also in relief. The gilded cut-out relief scabbard mounts are embellished with 2 monuments from the battlefield, tower on Snodgrass Hill, a view of Missionary Ridge and it's lookout tower with raised relief presentation "PRESENTED TO / BRIG. GENL. H. D. BOYNTON / BY THE CITIZENS OF / CHATTANOOGA TENN. / IN TOKEN OF THEIR ESTEEM". Top mount also in relief lettering reads "CHICKAMAUGA AND CHATTANOOGA / NATIONAL MILITARY PARK". The sword may have been the most expensive and finest sword ever made by the Pettibone Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The jewelers circular January 4, 1889 states "The Pettibone Mfg. Co. have made one of the finest swords ever turned out by this house, for the people of Chattanooga, Tenn., who will present it to Gen. H. V. Boynton, of Cincinnati, because he was the prime mover of getting the Chickamauga park on the site of the great battle at that place. The sword cost $1,000 and is made of pure metal. The grip is modeled with the statue of Minerva, encrusted with diamonds and other precious stones. Her arms are outstretched, holding the draping folds of the flag which falls at her feet, the whole forming the guard. The 13 stars are diamonds, the stripes are enamel. A view of Chattanooga and the Moccassin Bend is bas-relief on an oval shield. The blade is of the finest Toledo steel, inlaid with pure gold in elaborate military designs. The foot mount bears the word "Gazette", to indicate the general's newspaper". SIZE: CONDITION: Very fine overall. 30-1/2" double-edged blade has 17", 4-color etched panels in various patriotic motifs, "HENRY VAN NESS BOYNTON" on one panel and "CHATTANOOGA 1898" on the other. The sword retains most of its orig finish which just light wear to high areas. 52863-19 JS (8,000-12,000)