May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2024
An attractive example of a Civil war Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham presentation grade M1852 Naval Officer's sword attributed to Thomas Wall Bennet. The sword is quite eye catching and features a slightly curved blade that is decorated for half its length with beautifully etched and frosted panels that depict patriotic and naval motifs. The obverse ricasso is marked "SCHUYLER HARTLEY / & GRAHAM / NEW YORK" and the reverse ricasso is marked "IRON PROOF" with "W / CLAUBERG / SOLINGEN" surrounding the firm's knight logo. Spine is also marked "IRON PROOF". Blade is somewhat bright with a light patina and scattered blemishes. The hilt is ornate and the guard features open floral scrollwork with the letters "USN" in a banner. Serpent quillon. Pommel with federal eagle in a star vignette. Grip is on piece cast brass with silvered sections. Hilt with pleasing patina. Complete with scabbard that features engraved mounts with "USN" in shield on upper mount. Body remains firm with scattered blemishes and a tape repair where the drag was separated. Mounts are slightly loose. Thomas Wall Bennett (1834-1896) graduated the New York University Medical College in 1863, and acted as Assistant Physician in the Seaman’s Retreat Hospital on Staten Island before being appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon in the U.S. Navy 9/23/1862. We find him on the USS Vicksburg in 1865. The ship was a converted steamship commissioned in New York in late 1863 and ordered to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in February 1864. It captured a blockade runner in April, chased several others and operated off the Cape Fear River, taking part in capture of the steel-hulled blockade runner Bat in October, and took part in both attacks on Fort Fisher. In March 1865 the ship was operating around White House, Virginia, and the York River in support of Grant. Bennett served in the Navy for almost 7 years, being honorably discharged 2/24/1869. He was later a member of the Sullivan County, NY, Med. Assn.; Am. Med. Assn.; fellow N. Y. State Med. Assn.; and member of the Examination Committee, 1886-8. He died in Callicoon, NY, and was buried in Jeffersonville in November 1896. The sword comes with some copies of paperwork and a copy of a photo of Bennet holding this sword. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: L: 36"