This magnificent gilded solid silver sword has presentation from the State of Illinois PRESENTED BY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS TO / MAJOR SAMUEL D MARSHALL FOR SERVICES IN THE / LATE WAR OF THE UNITED STATES WITH MEXICO / AND ESPECIALLY FOR HIS GALLANTRY AT THE BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO" with his name plate also on the blue and red velvet French fitted mahogany casing. In the 1883 History of White County, Illinois, pg 673 "John Marshall, of Marshall's Ferry ... has in his possession a sword, which is one of those ordered by the State of Illinois and presented to the officers of the Mexican war. It has this inscription: "Presented to Major Samuel D. Marshall for services in the Mexican war." The sword is beautifully engraved, the battle of Cerro Gordo being represented on one side. It is very heavily plated with gold, as is also the scabbard, the whole being encased in satin in a fine rosewood case. He was an intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln; was in the Legislature with him one term, and was with him on the Harrison electoral ticket in 1840. John Marshall has in his possession a letter from Mr. Lincoln written in February, 1849, to Major Samuel D. Marshall, Shawneetown, Ill." Samuel D. Marshall (1812-1854). His gravestone at Westwood Cemetery, Shawneetown, Illinois reads "1812-1854 / SAMUEL D MARSHALL / GRADUATED FROM YALE / 1834 / STATES ATTORNEY / GALLATIN COUNTY / 1836 / MAJOR 3RD ILLS VOLS / U.S. WAR WITH MEXICO / 1847- 1848 / SWORD PRESENTED BY ILLINOIS /FOR SERVICES RENDERED AT / BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO / LINCOLN'S FRIEND". Marshall was indeed a close friend of Abraham Lincoln as the series of letters exchanged between the two men tell of both political and personal details, especially in Lincoln's life found in various archives. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Major Samuel D. Marshall, 1847; John Marshall, 1854. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Sword is extremely well preserved in its orig case, retaining most of its orig gold though worn in areas exposing silver. The solid gilded silver grip still exhibits extremely well detailed "Zeus' head" pommel. The 31-1/2" blade is firm marked "BALL / TOMPKINS / & BLACK / 247 BROADWAY / NEW YORK". The blade retains virtually all of its bright blue and gold patriotic decoration including the 7-1/2" long highly detailed etched panel showing the Battle of Cerro Gordo. Casing is also fine with solid silver, 2-1/2" x 4" engraved silver makers plaque. Rosewood casing is sound with minor cosmetic defects, soiling internally and externally. Inset engraved plate with Marshall's name has a mottled mustard patina. Velvet lining internally very good with light areas of soiling. 52863-18 JS (25,000-35,000)