March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2022
Described as 5’9” tall with hazel eyes, black hair, and a dark complexion, Christopher R. Becker had been born in 1836, and was working as a machinist when he enrolled in the Army after the outbreak of the Civil War. He enrolled at the age of 24 for 3 years service at Albany on September 4, 1861 and mustered in as a private in Company F of the 44th New York Infantry Regiment on September 6, 1861. The regiment was first mustered by Stephen W. Stryker, a former lieutenant in the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and recruited by the Ellsworth Association of New York to honor Col. Elmer Ellsworth, foremost inspirer of the Zouave craze in the U.S., and the first officer killed during the war in Alexandria in 1861. The regiment was also known as "Ellsworth's Avengers" to honor Stryker's former commander. Becker was quickly promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of Company G on September 11, 1861 and mustered in with that rank October 8, 1861. His time in the regiment was short-lived, as he was wounded in action and captured at Gaines' Mill on June 27, 1862. Records indicate that Becker was wounded in the foot and he drafted a letter where he mentions that he was unable to stand or perform his duty as a result. At Gaines Mill the regiment suffered 16 killed or mortally wounded, 21 wounded, and 17 missing in the fighting to hold back the Confederate attack on the Union right at the beginning of the Seven Days Battles. Becker was later paroled and exchanged on August 27, 1862 for R.G. McClure of the 41st Tennessee, and was promoted and mustered in as Captain in September with rank dating to August 23, 1862 but was discharged for wounds on December 18, 1862. The regiment served in the 5th Corps, saw action Yorktown and Hanover Courthouse. Becker's wound spared him from the Peninsula Campaign in which battle deaths and disease diminished the regiment's original strength of 1100 members to only 200 men. After his service, he returned to Albany and was a member of both GAR Post 121, and the Lewis Owen Morris Post in Albany. Becker passed away there on May 3, 1902. The regimental history mentions a number of presentations were made to the regiment before departing the state for the field and records Becker received an officer’s uniform. The sword is not mentioned, but may have been included. In any case, the donor of the sword was certainly the Third Reformed Protestant Dutch Church Sunday School of Albany. The engraved script presentation is located on the upper mount and reads “Presented / to / Lt. C.R. Becker / from / the 3rd R.P.D. C.S.S. / Albany Sept. 14th / 1862.” Once removed from its scabbard, the sword's blade is exposed and reveals the wonderfully etched decorations. The blade is adorned with scrolls of acanthus leaves which lead to a panoply of arms intertwined with more acanthus scrolls leading up to the bold letters "U.S." followed by another panoply of arms wrapped in acanthus scrolls. The panoply sits above patriotic drums, cannon, and a shield which rest above a large maple leaf just above the ricasso which is marked "W. CLAUBERG / SOLINGEN". The reverse blade is similarly adorned with foliate and patriotic motifs. The decorations start with flowers which form into a banner of acanthus scrolls that reads "E PLURIBUS UNUM". The banner is followed by a wonderfully etched, patriotic, spread-winged Eagle followed by a panoply of arms intertwined with acanthus scrolls. Another acanthus wrapped panoply sits on top of a sunburst palmette which rests above the ricasso which is marked with the deeply stamped W. Clauberg standing knight trademark. The spine is marked "IRON : PROOF". After the blade is a gilded single-band brass hilt features which features a solid guard that is detailed with cutout foliate scrolls. The scrolls continue onto the quillion which resembles a scrolled leaf. The grip features a grooved, center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in high-quality rayskin. The skin is tightly bound to the grip with double twisted brass wire that fits neatly in the grooves of the handle. The brass pommel is decorated with floral scrollwork and features a tiered cap. The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard which features brass mounts, a drag, and two carry rings. The mounts are unadorned except for the presentation. CONDITION: The blade remains bright but exhibits light areas of spotting and areas of pitting around the tip. There are a couple decent sized chips in the edge. The etched decorations remain nearly unmolested. There is spotting and pitting that run the length of the spine. The brass guard retains some of its original gilding while other areas of acquired a pleasant patina. The grip is in very good condition and the brass wire remains tight. There is one noticeable area where the skin is separating. The scabbard exhibits various scuffs and scratches but the leather remains firm. The upper mount is loose as it wobbles when handled and will come off if pulled. There is evidence of it sliding in the leather just above the mount. The mounts exhibit a pleasing patina consistent with the guard. Lower mount exhibits small dings. Overall very good. The sword is accompanied by a folder of research from the consigner which contains Becker's military records, muster rolls, scans of letters, and post-war paperwork which pertains to Becker's service. JLD