November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
The upcoming presentation of this US M1833 Dragoon officer's saber, along with its inscription, is recorded in the Baltimore Sun on May 23, 1845 when it is mentioned as a surprise for Harris, perhaps for a recent promotion to Captain. “As a specimen of skillful workmanship the sword is well worthy of admiration, but its value is a thousand times enhanced by the circumstances under which it is about to be presented”. Born in Calvert County, Maryland in 1801, Thomas Griggs Harris was a resident of Washington County by 1840. The Potomac Dragoons are mentioned as early as 1842 when they escorted President Tyler in Baltimore. In March 1845 they were in Washington for the inaugural procession of President Polk, though commanded by a Lt. Banford at the time. Harris had been promoted to Major by January 1846 when the Potomac Dragoons offered their services for the Mexican War and was in command in December when they participated in the funeral procession in Baltimore of Marylander Samuel Ringgold who died of wounds received at Palo Alto. He is last found in command of the mounted troops of the Frederick area in a June 1848 parade. Harris’s wife seems to have come from Rockbridge County, Virginia, where Harris is recorded as dying in January 1868. The saber is a very scarce US M1833 Dragoon officer's saber. Congress re-established regular army mounted units only in 1833 with the First Regiment of Dragoons and the Second Regiment in 1836. The units played important parts in US westward expansion. The M1833 is modeled on the British 1822 pattern and features many similar characteristics. The hilt is of brass, with tiered pommel and backstrap, which meets a thick ferrule that secures the grip, wrapped with sharkskin and grooved to accommodate twisted brass wire. Classic open knucklebow and guard which is typical of mounted sabers. An officer’s brocade/portepee is wrapped around the knucklebow. Quillon is marked “WS”. The blade features a slight curve with single, unstopped fuller. Mostly devoid of decoration, the blade is nicely etched “N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield / 1837” in thin cursive on the obverse and “United States” over olive branches in the same font on the reverse. The scabbard is regulation only in style, not appearance. Constructed of brass, the scabbard is quite attractive and features thick, lush oak leaves at the center with foliate designs toward the drag. The presentation is contained in a square vignette between the mounts, and is flanked to the left by a gorgeous federal eagle, perched on a patriotic shield, contained in an oval vignette and a representation of Justice holding scales, but unblindfolded, with naval motifs in the background, also contained in an oval vignette. The presentation reads “Presented to / Capt. Thomas Griggs Harris / By The members of his Corps Potomac Dragoons / as a slight testimonial of their love for him as a Soldier / and a Citizen Sharpsburg Md. May 1845”. The reverse of the scabbard is also nicely engraved as it features vignettes containing scrolled flowers which flank the inscription “Potomac Dragoons / Organized Sept. 12th 1841 / Duler et decorum est pro patina mon”. This is truly a wonderful example of a Mexican War Dragoon Saber. CONDITION: The blade is bright with scattered blemishes from handling and wear. Oxidation from age with legible etched markings. The hilt exhibits typical wear from handling and age and exhibits a nice patina. Twisted wire is firm with excellent grip. Saber remains sturdy. The scabbard exhibits a pleasing patina yet remains bright and attractive. Scattered dents throughout its length with firmly secured carry rings. Typical blemishes from wear. There are 2 cracks, with the largest measuring approximately 3 – 3/4”. Presentation and engraved decorations remain legible with some faint areas. The sword fits about 75% in the scabbard before it is halted and struggles to fit the rest of the way. Overall good.
Paperwork
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