LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72180

An Ornate Silver and Gold Presentation Sword, Li

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
An Ornate Silver and Gold Presentation Sword, Li
<B>An Ornate Silver and Gold Presentation Sword, Lieutenant George Henry Wing</B></I> This highly gilded and silver sword was presented to Lieutenant George Henry Wing of the 14th New York heavy Artillery, Company L, on April 14, 1864. It has a highly gilded blade and scabbard mounts and was specially made by Schuyler, Hartley and Graham of Philadelphia. Schuyler was famous for its fine presentation swords to which they would go to any length of gilding and use of silver.<BR><BR> This is one of the best examples of their craftsmanship, one of their “Rich Presentation” grade swords. The 32” blade is intricately etched and gilded 13” up the double fuller on both sides. The obverse of the blade starts with the standing knight Clauberg Solingen blade maker's mark above which is etched a foliate pattern under an elaborate stand of colors and crossed cannon. Further up the blade is an eagle, spread-winged with the 'E. Pluribus Unum' ribbon in its beak. Following another foliate patter is another stand of arms. All areas up the fuller outside the etching are coated in gold. The etching and gold work extend over the top of the sword to the reverse.<BR><BR> The reverse has a stand of colors starting at the ricasso followed by the foliate device. An elaborate artillery scene with six soldiers and cannon ready for battle is centered around an oval depicting a female warrior with the word 'Eureka' at the top of the oval. Another etched foliate pattern separates the final 'U. S.' etching at the end of the fuller. The remainder of the blade is not etched and retains a mirror finish. The leather washer is still intact.<BR><BR> The foliate openwork of the guard has lost most of its original gilding as has the knucklebow which leads to an ornately carved pommel and pommel cap which has a large oval shell-like device. The 4” grip is made of silver and has been worked into an interesting ribbed design with quarter-moon shapes separated by disks, all silver.<BR><BR>The scabbard is of heavy steel and has heavily carved mounts and mount rings that retain about 30% of their original gilding as does the drag. The gilded throat cap surmounts the first mount of the two 4½” mounts which are engraved on one side and are identical. The heavy foliate pattern is broken by the mount rings which have a holly leaf and berry carving. The elaborate drag extends 6½” from the end of the sword. It bears the same style engraving as the mounts and is engraved on one side as well. The scabbard is inscribed between the two mounts as follows:<BR><BR>Presented to<BR>Lieut. George Henry Wing<BR>by the Members of Co. L<BR>14th Reg. <BR>Artillery N.Y.S.V.<BR>Willet's Point, New York Harbor, April 14, 1864<BR><BR>Lieutenant George Henry Wing obviously handled this sword regularly as witnessed by the heavy use of the grip. Fortunately the blade has been preserved at approximately 90% of its original gilding.<BR><BR> The 14th New York Heavy Artillery was formed in January 1864 and for a time were stationed at harbor duty in New York as noted in the dedication of the sword, The unit would see much action however through the rest of the war: at the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, taking part in the Siege of Petersburg, including the Mine Explosion; and participating in the Grand Review 'Victory Parade' at the close of the war.<BR><BR>This is beautiful sword carried by a young lieutenant through some of the most famous battles of the Civil War.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Bats, Clubs, Sticks, Swords, Rif (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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