November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Although using a “Medical Staff” etched blade, this sword omits any branch of service designation on the languets. The same hilt pattern was used on the 1840 pattern Pay Department, Ordnance Storekeeper’s and Military Storekeepers’ swords, and so might have been thought appropriate by Sorin S. Baker, who initially enlisted as private in Co. A of the Maryland Second Eastern Shore Infantry in October 1861, but was quickly promoted to Commissary Sergeant on the regiment’s non-commissioned staff, serving at that post until promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of Company E on May 10, 1862. He served in that position until he mustered out October 1864. Born about 1840, he attended Washington College in Chestertown and was a teacher in Kent County in the 1860 census. Baker served in the regiment for all of its active service. The 2nd Maryland, Eastern Shore regiment was mustered into service December 28, 1861 and served on the eastern shore of Maryland until March 1862, at Baltimore until October 1862, and the eastern shore of Maryland until June 1863. It joined Lockwood's Brigade at Frederick, Maryland, July 6, 1863, and began its illustrious combat chronicle starting with taking part in the pursuit of Lee from July 6–14 and Falling Waters on July 14, assigned to duty at Maryland Heights on July 17 with duty there and guarding the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad until April 1864. Later the regiment was active in Hunter's Expedition to Lynchburg, Virginia, May 26-July 1, the advance on Staunton May 26 – June 6, action at Piedmont and Mt. Crawford June 5, the occupation of Staunton June 6, Lexington June 12, Buchanan June 14, Liberty June 16, Lynchburg June 17–18, Retreat to the Ohio River June 19 – July 1, Salem June 21, moved to the Shenandoah Valley July 1–17, Snicker's Gap July 18, Battle of Winchester July 24, Martinsburg July 25, Strasburg August 14–15, Bolivar Heights August 24, and Berryville September 3. After Baker left the regiment in October, 1864, it did guard duty in West Virginia until February 1865, when it was consolidated with the 1st Eastern Shore infantry. During its service it lost 9 killed and 63 mortally wounded or died of disease. After the war Baker ran a mercantile business, entered the ministry as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, from which he resigned, and later worked in the Custom House and superintended the Fruit and Produce Exchange. Unfortunately, Baker had fallen ill with malaria and the treatment had resulted in an addiction to opiates. He died of an overdose in 1890 after being well regarded throughout is life. “He was a good soldier and a sincere friend,” in the words of one obituary. Baker’s sword is quite attractive and merits that of a well-regarded soldier. The presentation is located on the upper mount and reads “LT. SORIN BAKER / CO. E / S.R.E.S.I. MD.”. Once unsheathed, the ornate blade decorations are revealed, and begin with lush oak leaves, followed by delicate scrolls which flank the etched words “Medical Staff”, which lead to even more oak leaves lush with acorns, which lead to etched line designs which disappear behind the languet. The opposite side of the blade features similar decorations, starting with similar oak leaves, 2 single leaves which flank a spread winged federal eagle. Followed by more oak leaves lush with acorns, which lead to etched line designs which disappear behind the languet. The decorations on both sides are contained in a column which terminates with a cross. The hilt is of cast brass and chased with equally ornate designs. The pommel is topped by an acorn shaped finial and the grip exhibits a circle filled with a bold federal eagle on each side perched on top of thickly cast and chased floral motifs. The crossguard features equally ornate detail with branches that are formed as scrolling leaves. Shield shaped languets extend downward from the quillon block and as mentioned, are devoid of markings. The scabbard compliments the sword with its neatly browned body which highlights the brass mounts which are decorated with stars and laurel leaves on 1 side which are commonly encountered on this pattern. The mounts are neatly cast and terminate with leafy borders and acorns. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a gray patina with bright decorations which highlight the blade. Scattered blemishes with light edge wear are noticed throughout. The hilt exhibits a pleasing patina with wear from handling and age. Languets are slightly bent outward. The scabbard exhibits scattered blemishes throughout its length with scattered blemishes from wear and age. Mounts remain secured to the scabbard and exhibit a pleasant patina. Brass throat in place. Great finish. Overall very good. The sword is accompanied by a folder of research regarding Baker’s military service.
Paperwork
Folder of Research