Historically Important, Silver Grip, Exquisitely Engraved M1850 Civil War Foot Officer's Sword Presented to Capt. Henry Reese ... (Total: 2 Items)

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Historically Important, Silver Grip, Exquisitely Engraved M1850 Civil War Foot Officer's Sword Presented to Capt. Henry Reese Jr., 23rd Penna, Birney's Zouaves, for Bravery at Marye's Heights, Va. May 3, 1863. 38" overall, the 32" blade etched for 2/3 its length with scroll/floral work, panoplies of arms and spread wing eagle on the obverse and US on the reverse. "W. H. Horstmann/ & Sons/ Philadelphia" at the base of the obverse with crowned head proof on the ricasso. Blade excellent, retaining 90% of the etch with just some staining and some scattered very light pitting. The regulation hilt utilizes a silver grip, wrapped with tightly twisted brass wire. The pommel cap displays intricate engraved geometric designs. Hilt about perfect with nice patina, even retains the original gilt bullion sword knot. The blued steel scabbard is near perfect with all three brass mounts beautifully engraved with tight floral and scroll motifs. The backs of the mounts display engraved linear decoration. Just a couple of very minor shallow dents on the face of the lower mount. All mounts and the brass presentation plaque with nice patina. The 1¼" X 2¾" oval presentation plaque is attached between the upper mounts and bears the following inscription, "Presented to Capt. Henry Reese Jr. by the members of Compy K 23rd regt. P. V. as a token of their esteem and for his Bravery in the Storming of Marye's Heights, Va. May 3rd, 1983." At Marye's heights Capt. Reese was one of the first to reach the Confederate emplacements at the stone wall and is credited with personally capturing 18 prisoners including Lt. Clements of the 6th Mississippi, and it is for this action that the sword was awarded. Reese enlisted in the famed Birney's Zouaves, 23rd Penna. Inf. As a 1st Lt. on August 14, 1861. He was promoted to Capt. On July 20, 1862 and served with the heavily fought 23rd through The Seven Days, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and the Campaign of 1864, mustering out on Sept. 24, 1864. The sword itself bears a remarkable post war history having been found in a trash can in Washington, D. C. and turned over by the District police to iconic collector Stanley Phillips of Lanham, Md. A tragic legacy for this symbol of valor 'above and beyond'. Accompanied by a complete set of Reese's records. Really a great Civil War presentation sword.