September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
A nice group consisting of a presentation grade M1872 staff and field officer's sword, Mollus Medal, and other insignia which all belonged to Lt. Col. William Patterson Butler (1843-1902). Butler entered West Point in 1862 and graduated in 1866. A classmate, Charles King Jr., wrote an account of his career for a West Point Alumni publication. He described Butler's service as an enlisted man in the Civil War in which eventually he became a 1st Lt. in the 4th Kentucky Cavalry. Following the War, and his graduation, he was stationed at Rock Island Arsenal for 6 years, where he married the commanding officer's daughter. He resigned from the Army in 1871 in order to handle his father-in-law's estate. He was later elected the mayor of Rock Island 3 times and continued to train in civilian soldiery and attained the rank of Lt. Col. The sword was likely a gift of esteem during this time as mayor, and the presentation is located between the mounts reading "Presented to / Col. W. P. Butler / By the 14th Battalion I.N.G.". The blade is decorated for about half its length with gold-washed patriotic panels and marked "HORSTMAN BROS / & CO / PHILADELPHIA". Ornate hilt with guard and folding counterguard both decorated with patriotic motifs. Counterguard locks properly. Simulated wire grip with decorated knucklebow and pommel. Hilt exhibits nice traces of original gilding. Scabbard is nickeled with scattered blemishes, some of which interfere with the presentation. Ornate open work and patriotic brass mounts retain nice amounts of gilding. Also included is Butler's Mollus Medal, numbered 2797 with worn ribbon. There is also a case of epaulettes, with 2 pairs and 1 ordnance corps epaulet, as well as 3 ordnance corps buttons and an officer's belt plate, all contained in a japanned tin case. A file of paperwork is also included detailing Butler's life. CONDITION: Varying, with all pieces exhibiting scattered blemishes typical of old militaria. Good-very good.