LOT #72153 |
Sold on Jun 29, 2008 for: Not Sold
Visually Stunning, Historically Important, Civil War Ames M1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword Presented to Ulysses S. Grant's ... (Total: 9 Items)
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Description
Visually Stunning, Historically Important, Civil War Ames M1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword Presented to Ulysses S. Grant's Vice President, Henry Wilson, as Colonel of the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteers, September 27th, 1861. Accompanied by a number of other interesting pieces associated with Wilson. Henry Wilson was born in 1812 in Farmington, New Hampshire (nee Jeremiah Jones Colbath) and served in the State Legislature from 1841 to 1852. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1855 and served until 1873 when he resigned to accept the role of vice president of the United States under Grant. Throughout his career Wilson devoted his energies to the destruction of, what he referred to as, "slavocracy", the conspiracy of slave owners to seize control of the Federal government. In 1861, Wilson raised and commanded the 22nd regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the role for which he was presented with this sword.It is absolutely exquisite quality and superb condition. A regulation M1850 staff and field officer's sword, that bears the logo of the Ames Sword Co. on both the blade and the reverse of the brass scabbard. The 32" blade is near mint, exhibiting 98% of the original brilliant luster. Beautifully etched, with hand engraved details, for 2/3 of its length, incorporating a spread wing eagle, US, stands and panoplies of arms and trophies and extensive, intricate, floral and scroll work. The regulation hilt retains 90% of the original gilt, sharkskin, gilt wire wrapped grip mint. The all brass scabbard is truly exceptional. The inscription, "Col. Henry Wilson/ 22nd Reg. M. V./ From the/ Inspectors of the Boston Customs House/ Sept. 27th 1861" is engraved between the ring mounts. The ring mounts have acanthus leaf decoration. The carrying rings are brass. The engraved details on the scabbard are as extensive as any we've previously observed on a Civil War period Ames. Extensive, deep, hand engraved scrollwork radiates from both of the ring mounts, forming the panel for the inscription. The portion of the scabbard between the lower ring mount and the drag displays an engraved panel with a drum, knapsack, American shield, and crossed American flags surmounted by a liberty cap on a pole. The lower portion with extravagant floral and scrollwork. The bottom of the scabbard, encompassing the drag, exhibits additional elegant panel with scroll and geometric designs. The scabbard is about mint, just showing the slightest wear to the gilt on the ring mounts. Overall a truly spectacular sword in wonderful condition, presented to one of the more important American historical figures of the mid 19th century.
The sword is sold with: a brass and enamel badge from the Wilson Regiment, 2nd Sharp Shooters, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Massachusetts Infantry framed with a franked envelope signed "H. Wilson", 12.5" x 14.5" overall; an engraving of Wilson in military uniform in oval frame, 9" x 10.75"; an engraving of Wilson as a member of President Andrew Johnson's cabinet; a Carte de Visite of Wilson by W. Snell, 2.5" x 4"; a copy of The Life and Public Services of Hon. Henry Wilson by Thomas Russell (Boston: B. B. Russell, 1872); a copy of Henry Wilson's Regiment. History of the Twenty-Second Massachusetts Infantry, the Second Company Sharpshooters, and the Third Light Battery in the War of the Rebellion by John L. Parker (Boston: Regimental Association, 1887), ex-lib; and, a "Henry Wilson" cigar label and cigar ring, framed 9.75" x 8".
Auction Info
2008 June Signature Civil War Auction #6002 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2008
29th-30th
Sunday-Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 964
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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