December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Fine example of an inscribed presentation grade 1840s militia officer’s sword which was presented to Captain David W. Baldwin of the Franklin Guards, 14th Regiment, New York State Militia. Organized in Brooklyn, New York, the 14th Regiment was initially formed as a militia regiment in 1847 as part of the New York State Militia. The regiment was composed of various different companies in New York City including The Franklin Guards, which was Company D, 14th Regiment NYSM. The Franklin Guards were recruited from the No. 3 Fire Engine Company and mustered in during February 1848 with David Baldwin elected as their Captain. Most of the regiment’s duties included parades at various events like the introduction of water into the city but were not really involved any conflicts at the beginning of their service. As a result, the beginning of the regiment’s history is shadowed with some lack of interest and insubordination, but over time this was eliminated giving way to a “spirit of enthusiastic comradeship”. This newly found enthusiasm was lead by Baldwin and some of his fellow officers, as noted in "The History of the Fighting Fourteenth": “Prior to 1851, following its original organization, Companies A, B, F and D, Captains Burnett, Sprague, Schepper and Baldwin respectively, had really sustained the regimen, the other four companies being in a condition of semi-rupture most of the time.” It appears as though Baldwin was a role model for the men under his command and he left a lasting impression on the Franklin Guards, as evidenced by a heartwarming obituary. The small but significant paragraph states “a gloom has been cast over the hearts of this Company. We knew him but to adore and admire his modesty and manly virtues, and we mourn for him as one who had the power to unite us to a brotherhood when dissention threatened to sever our ranks.” Baldwin passed away on January 15, 1851, and one of the duties of Company D was to parade at the dedication of a monument erected in memory of Captain Baldwin a year later on June 14, 1852. The sword is quite attractive, and is worthy of a leader such as Baldwin, who was noted by his men to be an excellent officer. The presentation is located in an escutcheon between the upper and middle mount and reads “Presented to Capt. David W. Baldwin. / By the Franklin Guards Dec. 24th 1849. / Brooklyn L.I.” Once unsheathed, the 32” blade is revealed. The blade is mostly plain and features a center fuller. The crossguard is in the form of a spread winged eagle which features ornate clamshell quillons. The grip is of bone which is neatly engraved and checkered. The grip leads to a classic militia style drooping eagle with a chain guard held in its beak which connects to the crossguard. The sword is complete with its silver plated brass scabbard which is adorned with ornate scrollwork and patriotic designs. The scabbard is marked by Hosrtmann & Sons in a scroll below the upper mount. A very presentable scabbard with attractive designs and drag. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a pleasing patina with scattered areas of spotting and pitting. Faint designs are noticed in the fuller which indicate an older polishing. Guard and pommel also exhibit a nice patina. The upper ring on the chain guard contained in the eagle’s mouth was replaced. Crossguard exhibits slight wobble. Grip exhibits a few cracks and obvious handling wear. The scabbard exhibits loss to the plating with obvious signs that Captain Baldwin wore this sword. Scattered chips and small dents throughout its length, as well as age spots that do not take away from its appearance. This is a very attractive federal period militia officer’s presentation sword. Overall good.