November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
The sword is a wonderful token of esteem from one Civil War officer to another. Stephen H. Bogardus, Jr., and Edward F. Foster had served together in Maryland’s Purnell Legion earlier in the war. Bogardus first joined up with the 5th New York, the Duryee Zouaves, who spent late 1861 and early 1862 in Baltimore. He initially enrolled on April 25, 1861 for 2 years and mustered in as corporal Company C, 5th New York on May 9, was promoted to Sergeant in October and discharged December 19 for promotion to 2nd Lieutenant, Company H Purnell Legion Maryland Volunteers. He mustered into the 192nd New York as a “conditional 2nd Lieutenant” of Company E on January 26, 1865, was appointed Captain March 10, mustered in as such March 28, and mustered out with the company on August 28 at Cumberland, Maryland. He later received a brevet to Major and served in the U.S Army from 1866 to 1871. The 192nd left the state in detachments in March and April 1865 and served in the Army of the Shenandoah. The 5th New York, Duryee Zouaves, had a colorful and good record, seeing action early in the war at Big Bethel on June 10, 1861. They were posted to Baltimore in September and remained there until May 1862 when they left for the Peninsula Campaign. Bogardus was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Company H of the Purnell Legion on December 19, 1861 and given rank from October 19 in some records and from November 11 in others. His service records show he was wounded on September 17, 1862 at Antietam, where the Purnell Legion infantry was serving the 12th Corps and lost 3 killed and 23 wounded in fighting near the Dunker Church. The nature of his wound is not recorded, however, thankfully Bogardus corresponded with a local newspaper throughout the war and he recorded his experience in a letter dated September 19, 1862, 2 days after the battle. His letter is moving and provides insight to the horrors of that day, in which he describes “I had, together with my regiment, the honor to participate in the fray…We were ordered to take the cornfield and support the 124th Pennsylvania Volunteers, a new regiment which we did till about noon. That cornfield was a horrible sight. A live rebel soldier is a disgusting sight, but a dead one surpasses description. And that field was full of them, lying in all positions. Here, one shot through the heard; there, one with his leg torn off; and still farther on, a trunk without a head. At noon we were sent to a piece of woods on the advance of the right—and here we remained until about 2 P.M., at which time I was wounded and carried to the rear. I was hit by a musket ball coming from a party of rebels carrying our flag. This was the second time I saw the same treachery during the battle. What the world thinks of a foe that in the disguise of a friend shoots you down, I know not; but it seems to be their style of fighting. Our forces have captured a great number of rebel battle flags, while I think we lost none. Our loss in wounded is almost innumerable, but in killed small in portion. The rebel loss in killed far exceeds ours, but in wounded I think not. This is accounted for by the rebels using the old buck and ball, while our boys use the minie balls altogether, and they kill when they hit. I was shot off my horse and lost him. But we whipped them—and I would give another horse for such a victory.”. It was later revealed that Bogardus was severely wounded in the mouth. He survived to be promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Regimental Adjutant on January 2, 1863, serving at that rank until muster out with the regiment on October 24, 1864. During Bogardus’s time with the Purnell Legion they served in the Army of the Potomac, Army of Virginia and the 8th Corps, Middle Department, seeing action also at Front Royal, Catlett Station, 2nd Bull Run in 1862, in 1864 at Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and the Weldon Railroad, losing 1 officer and 42 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. Edward F. Foster, the giver of the sword had mustered into the Legion as Quartermaster Sergeant in October 1861 and was promoted Regimental Quartermaster in July 1862. The 2 men likely knew one another early and from Bogardus’s appointment as Adjutant would both be on the regiment’s staff. They served together until muster out of the Legion in October 1864. The presentation is located on the upper mount and reads “Presented to / Capt. S.H. Bogardus Jr. / Co. D 192d N.Y.S.V. by /Lieut. E. F. Foster Late / Q.M. Purnell Legion / Md. Vols. April 1st / 1865.”. This sword is probably the most serious April Fool’s Day gift that Bogardus received throughout his life. The blade is etched for about half its length with wonderful patriotic and foliate decorations. The obverse features delicate scrolls on the ricasso which are followed by a geometric pedestal with lush laurel leaves flowing toward the bold letters “US” separated by a blooming flower. The designs continue with a caduceus, in which a federal eagle is perched, its wings spread with wings pointing towards a flower and terminating with an arabesque spire. The reverse features floral designs on the ricasso which are followed by the etched maker mark “CANFIELD / BRO & Co / Baltimore”. The rest of the reverse is adorned with intricate intertwining floral scrolls which terminate with the same arabesque spire. A brass guard highlights the hilt and features elegant open scrollwork with staff and field letters “US” at the center. The guard terminates with a leafy quillon and forms into a D-shaped knucklebow on the other side. The knucklebow connects to the pommel which is neatly cast with laurel leaves and features a tired cap. Grip is of wood, wrapped with high quality sharkskin and grooved in order to accommodate the twisted brass wire. Scabbard is equally ornate, crafted of steel and featuring beautifully gilded brass mounts. The mounts are rather plain but are nicely scalloped with the upper and middle mount accommodating a single band and carry ring. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a gray patina with scattered freckling and blemishes throughout its length. Decorations remain crisp and are slightly muted by the patina. Guard exhibits nice traces of original gilding with scattered light blemishes from age. Grip exhibits handling wear with scattered areas of wrap loss and slightly loose wire. Guard is loose and produces a slight wobble when handled. The scabbard body exhibits a pleasing patina with scattered spotting and freckling throughout its length. Mounts exhibit a generous amount of original gilding with scattered scratches. Brass throat is in place. Mounts remain secured to the scabbard body. Small dents in drag. The sword is accompanied by a folder of research regarding Bogardus’ service, as well as a copy of “Dear Eagle” which contains all of his correspondence to the Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle. There is also an enlistment document for a soldier in the Purnell Legion that is signed by Bogardus. This is an excellent presentation grade sword which was worn by an officer who was present during the bloodiest day in American history.
Paperwork
Folder with Research and Book