This is a magnificent high grade Horstmann, Philadelphia presentation sword with rare engraved sheet silver grip and sheet silver engraved insets on scabbard. "PRESENTED TO / LIEUT COLONEL WILLIAM HENRY, JR. / BY THE OFFICER'S OF THE FIRST REGIMENT NEW JERSEY / VOLUNTEERS, AS A PROOF OF AFFECTION AND A TRIBUTE TO / FIDELITY, GALLANTRY AND PATRIOTISM MOST NOBLY / ILLUSTRATED IN THE CAMPAIGNS OF THE / ARMY OF THE POTOMAC". The scabbard is engraved with battle honors "BULL RUN", "WEST POINT", "GAINES MILLS", "CHARLES CITY-ROADS", "MALVERN HILL", "MANASSAS PLAINS", "CRAMPTON'S PASS", "ANTIETAM", "FREDERICKSBURG 1ST & 2ND BATTLES", "SALEM CHURCH". Opposite side of scabbard is engraved "COMMISSIONED ADJUTANT, 1ST N.J.V. / MAY 31 1861; MAJOR, AUGUST 12 1862; LIEU'T COL. NOVEMBER 29 1862". The sheet silver grip is beautifully engraved with the state seal of New Jersey on one side and monogram of Adjutant Henry on the other side. The blade is the highest grade that Horstmann offered, being full Damascus with gold etched patriotic panels. Hilt displays drooped wing American eagle as central panel with a serpent shaped additional branch of guard terminating above eagles head into a serpent's head. The German silver scabbard has relief mounts with 1-1/2" engraved silver insets in each mount, patriotic American eagle surrounded by a sea of stars, Lady Liberty and Justice. Hilt and scabbard mounts are all heavily gilded and raised relief. William Henry, Jr (1830-1889) rose from Adjutant to Lieutenant Colonel and commander of the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry during his Civil War service. Commissioned 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant on May 31, 1861, he served in this capacity in the Battle of First Bull Run and the Peninsular Campaign. Promoted to Major of the regiment on August 12, 1862 to replace Major David Hatfield, who had succumbed to wounds received at the June 27, 1862 Battle of Glendale, he then participated in the Battles of Second Bull Run, South Mountain and Antietam at this rank. When Lieutenant Colonel Mark Wilkes Collet was promoted Colonel of the 1st New Jersey, Major Henry was advanced to Lieutenant Colonel on November 29, 1862. Serving as second in command at the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, he assumed command of the 1st New Jersey, which was part of the famed First New Jersey Brigade, when Colonel Collet was killed at the Battle of Salem Church during the Chancellorsville Campaign (May 3, 1863).He led the regiment at the successive battles of Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness and Spotsylvania. At the last battle he bravely led the unit as it assaulted the "Mule Shoe" salient. After jumping up on the Confederate works and waving his sword in defiance of the rebels, he remained at the front to conduct the retreat of the regiment when its Corps was ordered to pull back. Lieutenant Colonel Henry was the last man of the regiment to leave the battlefield. He was mustered out on June 23, 1864 when his term expired, receiving no brevet promotions despite a brave combat record. His younger brother was Captain Joseph Henry of the 9th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, who was the first New Jersey officer to die in combat during the Civil War. SIZE: PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall, this sword was well cared for. Hilt retains 90% plus orig bright gold gilt. Scabbard mounts on obverse retain much of their gold gilt, especially in protected areas and relief engraved areas. Silver insets and silver grip have grey/silver patina. German silver scabbard body is smooth with silver patina with crisp engraving. 34" blade is overall grey with dull luster showing Damascene patterns, retaining virtually all its orig gold with areas of staining and pitting, especially at tip and one central panel with eagle. A portion of the orig red velvet washer is retained. 53091-131 JS (7,000-9,000)