November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
This highly decorated Civil War officer's presentation sword features a slightly curved polished steel blade with two partial fullers on each side, as well as long 19" etched and gilded panels of decoration on each side. The deeply etched panel on the right side shows a stand of detailed arms and cannon as well as scrolls and a patriotic American eagle holding an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in its beak above a suit of armor and more polearms. All on a gilt ground. The left side displays similar stands of arms and other motifs as well as a large "U.S." The spine is etched with repeating foliate patterns and marked "IRON-PROOF". The left side of the ricasso is stamped "W/ CLAUBURG/ SOLINGEN" around a knight. The high quality gilt brass hilt features a pierced guard with detailed chased oak leaves, acorns, and "U.S." The quillon is an eagle's head. The back of the pommel cap features an American eagle posed with a patriotic shield and arrows and has an inset ruby at the tang. Around the pommel cap there are fifteen rounded rubies inset around a large rounded oval shaped piece of turquoise. The knucklebow is decorated with repeating acanthus leaf designs. Grip is a fluted silver and wrapped with a strand of braided brass wire. The sword is complete with its original silver plated scabbard with high relief cased and engraved brass mounts. The top mount has an applied eagle surrounded by a wreath as well as patriotic shield and scrolls at the top and bottom. The center mount with arms motifs and decorated en suite. On the front of the drag shows a detailed Union soldier with a "U.S." belt buckle and a percussion musket. The backs of the mounts are also decorated and the back of the drag shows repousse work of scrolls around a "U.S." shield. CONDITION: Very good. Polished portion of blade retains much of it's original polish with some marks from scabbard and the etched portions show generous traces of gilt finish in protected and detailed areas with some areas of scattered grey freckling. The hilt retains approximately 70-80% of its original gilt finish with some high edge wear and wear from carrying. The grip retains a grey patina with higher areas slightly lighter in color. The scabbard is excellent retaining almost all of its silver plated finish with the mounts retaining generous traces of gilt finish in protected areas, otherwise retaining a mellow patina. For an example with a similar hilt, see page 301 of John H. Thillman's "Civil War Army Swords".