December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
The cast hilt of this Schuyler, Hartley and Graham sword features a young warrior with crested helmet, sword and oval shield. Judging from the lion skin draped around him we are looking at a young Hercules. The figure and hilt have wonderful detail in the cast elements. The figure carries an oval shield with a US on the central boss. The guard features not just foliate scrolls, but a script cutout "US." The blade is etched "iron proof" on the back of the blade and with the Schuyler, Hartley and Graham New York blade address on the obverse ricasso, floral scrolls and a spread-winged American eagle superimposed on a panoply of arms, with a second display of arms above topped with a liberty cap and wrapped with a banner reading "In Hoc Signo Vinces" ("In this sign you will conquer.) The reverse bears the Clauberg trademark stamp on the etched ricasso, a US shield with E Pluribus Unum ribbon on a stand of arms with an entwined US over it, along with foliate scrolls. The scabbard is bright steel with brass mounts cast and engraved with floral and geometric designs on the obverse. The reverse of the scabbard is engraved between the upper mounts: "Presented to / Capt. J.T. Whittier / by his friends / March 4, 1869." This may be John T. Whittier of Bolton, Mass, a 35 year-old innkeeper who enlisted and mustered in as First Sergeant of Co. I 13th Mass Infantry 7/16/61 and was discharged for promotion to First Lieutenant of Co. F 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade on 10/15/61. He was promoted to Captain 4/25/62 and served throughout the war, mustering out 3/22/65. He was a member of GAR Post 5 in Lynn, Mass., after the war. CONDITION: Very good. Etching is vivid, but there are some scattered gray spots and light freckling from the midpoint of the blade forward on either side, most noticeable from the end of the fuller to tip. The Hercules figure was silvered and gilt brass. The brass has a muted tone with some traces of gilt in the recesses. The silvered portions of the figure, the exposed portions of his body, show some rubbing to the underlying brass, but the remaining wash, about 60 percent, gives an plainly silver impression to the viewer. Scabbard is bright with medium tone to the brass mounts. A few very small dings to the scabbard body. One small reddish stain to the upper reverse edge of the top mount. A very nice sword that has a striking hilt and displays well. Some research in period newspapers would likely turn up the occasion for the presentation.