December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
Michael Adler was a hard-fought soldier. Born in 1841, he enlisted at age 20 and mustered into Company D, 32nd Ohio on August 2, 1861. He served throughout the entire war with the company, mustering out with them on July 20, 1865, having risen through the ranks of corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, and second lieutenant, well meriting the presentation of this sword by his comrades. The regiment was organized near Mansfield, officially mustered in on August 31, 1861 and lost 5 officers and 99 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded during almost 4 years of service starting in West Virginia, fighting Jackson in the Valley, seeing action and taking casualties in engagements such as McDowell, Cross Keys, and Port Republic. They were caught up in the surrender of Harpers Ferry in 1862, despite losing 150 men in defense of the post, but were exchanged in January 1863 and returned to service in the western theatre, seeing more action with the 17th Corps at Vicksburg and Champion’s Hill, where they captured a battery in a bayonet charge. The regiment also engaged rebel forces at battles in Mississippi through 1863 and early 1864, followed by the Atlanta campaign, with fighting at Kennesaw Mountain and the combat around the city. Adler and the regiment then helped break the back of the Confederacy and were involved with Sherman’s March to the Sea, and the Campaign of the Carolinas, including fighting at Fayetteville and Bentonville. Although the Civil War officially ended on April 9, 1865 Confederate forces under Johnston’s command were still waging war against the North well after Lee’s surrender. Sherman and the forces under his command were relentlessly pursuing Confederate forces commanded by General Johnston through North Carolina. The men of the 32nd Ohio remained active until the very end in the Carolinas under fears that Confederate soldiers of Johnston’s army might quietly disband and fight a guerrilla war. The regiment was present in North Carolina when General Joseph Johnston signed the surrender of his army on April 26, 1865. This completed the second largest surrender of Confederate soldiers putting an end to any major organized fighting. After the war, Adler returned to Ohio and lived in Canton, where he died in 1886. The sword reflects the admiration that the men under Adler's command must have had for him. The presentation is between the upper and middle mounts and reads "Presented to / Lieut. M. Adler / By the Members of Co. D. / 32. O.V.V.I. June. 27th 1865." Once unsheathed, the sword reveals etched decorations that adorn the blade. The obverse begins with floral motifs that morph into acanthus leaves which flow the length of the blade and are interrupted by a banner that reads "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above a spread winged eagle with a patriotic shield covering its breast. The eagle is followed by a panoply of arms, more acanthus leaves, another patriotic panoply resting above a banner that is etched with the words "IRON PROOF" just above the ricasso that is stamped "EISENHAUER". The revere of the blade is similarly etched with sections of acanthus leaves that are separated by panoplies which contain flags, cannons, shields, and swords. The letters "U.S." are etched at the center and the decorations end with a palmette just above the ricasso that is marked "F. HORTSER / SOLINGEN". The hilt is of cast brass and features a guard that is adorned with foliate and floral scrolls which are divided by the staff and field "US". The guard is followed by the brass grip which features Lady Liberty equipped with a sword and shield at her side next to her flowing dress as she stands underneath 11 stars. Her reverse features a beautiful floral vignette. More floral and patriotic designs flow up to the pommel that features a petaled border with a purple faceted stone pommel cap. The silver washed scabbard nicely compliments the sword and features elegantly cast brass mounts. The upper mount features another depiction of Lady Liberty, standing strong with her shield and sword at rest with a palmette above her head. The middle mount features a marching Zouave in full gear, also below a palmette. The drag features floral designs with a few budding flowers contained in a floral vignette and other decorations towards the tip. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a pleasing gray patina with areas of pitting, especially near the tip. There is light edge wear and scattered scratches. The hilt exhibits areas of oxidation which is evident around the edges of the decorations. The scabbard also exhibits slight oxidation around the brass decorations along with scattered scratches and dings. There are several small dents that travel up the length of the scabbard after the middle mount. The drag screw is deformed and the throat wobbles slightly. This is an ornate sword that reflects the respect of a distinguished officer. Overall very good. JLD