December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
Francis Peteler was born in Bavaria in 1828 and emigrated to the United States in 1840. He served as a corporal in the 8th U.S. Infantry during the Mexican War and saw action at Vera Cruz. He moved to Minnesota in 1853 and was 33 years-old, living in Anoka, when he enlisted at Fort Snelling. He mustered into the First Company Minnesota Sharpshooters which was raised by Peleter on authority from the War Department, and only designated Co. A of the 2nd U.S.S.S. sometime after its arrival in Washington on October 10, 1861. Peleter was officially commissioned Lieutenant Colonel to date February 10, 1862, the day the 2nd United States Sharp Shooters was officially organized. The regiment was posted briefly at Fort Ward and then took part in the advance on Manassas in March and led the advance to Falmouth and Fredericksburg. It moved to the aid of General Banks at Front Royal and then on a reconnaissance to Orange Court House, Guinea Station, and Spotsylvania Court House. They arrived at Cedar Mountain after the fighting ended, but were in skirmishes over the next several days at Rappahannock Station and Warrenton Springs, and were in the Battle of Second Bull Run which resulted in a Confederate Victory with Union forces suffering nearly double the casualties as their Confederate counterparts. As a result of the Sioux uprising in Minnesota immediately after the battle, Peleter received a furlough for twenty days, which was extended to place him in command of Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, for the winter of 1862-63, during which the garrison withstood periodic Native attacks and conducted patrols. Peteler was ordered back to the Army of the Potomac in May 1863, but resigned on June 3, 1863. After the war he made a reputation as founder of the Peteler Car Works, manufacturing railroad cars and holding a number of patents. He died in 1910, shortly after a reunion with surviving members of his Minnesota sharpshooter company. Peteler’s sword is quite elegant and merits as a token of a appreciation from the men whose unit he organized. The presentation is located on the folding counter guard and reads “Presented to Col. Francis Peteler / by / Co. A 2nd U.S.S.S. / Ft. Snelling / Oct. 5, 1861.” The date of the presentation is the day the company was officially mustered into U.S. service, and the day before it departed from Fort Snelling, but the inscription is most likely commemorative. The blade is profusely etched and features typical foliate and patriotic designs. The obverse features a bulbed flower which morphs into scrolls of acanthus leaves that form a banner which reads “E Pluribus Unum” and are halted by a spread winged federal eagle with a patriotic shield protecting its breast. The designs continue with a panoply of arms followed by more scrolls of acanthus leaves which lead to another panoply of arms ending with a floral palmette just above the ricasso which is stamped with two typical Klingenthal proof marks. The reverse features similarly etched designs also starting with a bulbed flower which morphs into scrolls of acanthus leaves intertwined with a panoply of arms. The scrollwork continues briefly but is halted by the letters “U.S.” followed by more acanthus scrolls which lead to a panoply of arms ending with a flowering palmette just above the ricasso. The spine is decorated with a pointed spire decorated with a diagonal pattern. The spine is marked "Klingenthal" in classic cursive lettering. The hilt is of cast brass and features a guard with a cast federal spread winged eagle on the obverse and the folding counterguard which features the presentation. The counterguard is appropriately stamped "E.L." under three punched stars, for E. Leon, who was an assembler in Paris, France. The hilt also features a bulb shaped quillon along with a knucklebow that is adorned with floral motifs. The grip is cast brass with simulated brass wire and is followed by a urn shaped pommel. The sword is complete with its brass scabbard which also features decorative designs around its three brass carry rings and brass drag. The upper and middle “mounts” are decorated with foliate scrollwork and are separated by a spread winged federal eagle, perched on a shield, in an ovular, braided vignette. The simulated lower mount features foliate motifs and floral scrollwork. CONDITION: The blade remains bright and features a nice polished sheen. There are several small chips along the edge leading up to the dulled tip. There are scattered areas of pitting along with light scratches. The folding counter guard retains some of its gilt and features dark spots from aging. The rest of the hilt as aged consistently and exhibits handling wear. The scabbard exhibits a gold patina and the carry rings remain firmly secured to the scabbard body. The drag appears to have a slight bend. There are scattered small dents throughout the length of the scabbard body as well as various fingerprint impressions. Overall very good. The sword is accompanied by a small binder of brief research regarding Peteler’s service as well as his regiment’s history. This is a nice example of a presentation grade 1840 pattern officer’s sword from an officer who led a sharp shooter regiment when the concept was still in its infancy. JLD
Paperwork
Folder of Research