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Fred Mundy's Little Round Top-Used Civil War Sword

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Fred Mundy's Little Round Top-Used Civil War Sword

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Auction Date:2017 Apr 12 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Private purchase US foot officers' sword by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, presented to 1st Lieutenant/Quartermaster Fred R. Mundy of the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry, known as 'The Ellsworth Avengers.' This is a handsome sword measuring 36 1/4? overall, with a 30 1/2? slightly curved, single-edged blade having single wide fullers. The steel retains a mostly bright polish with small spots of minor freckling scattered along both sides of the blade. The blade has extensively decorated, etched panels along the forte, repeated on both sides: laurel leaves, liberty cap, and American eagle, with "Stand by the Union" and crossed US flags just above the ricasso. The brass hilt has an overall dark, yellow-ochre patina with paler metal on the exposed areas, as well as on the pierced counterguard. The shagreen grip has light surface wear along the seam, and has an intact braided wire wrap. The sword is housed in its original brass and steel scabbard, which has an overall freckled gray patina on the body, and lightly cleaned brass on the throat, hanger band, and chape. The throat itself has a clear and legible presentation inscription: "Presented to Fred R. Mundy, Quarter Master, 44th Reg't N.Y.S.V., as a mark of the Esteem & Confidence of his fellow townsmen, Seneca Falls, N.Y., Oct. 5th, 1861." Accompanied by a large binder of research material including copies of Mundy's war records.

Fred R. Mundy was 22 years old when he was commissioned the regimental quartermaster for the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry (3 Year) from the unit's inception in 1861 to its final mustering out in 1864. The regiment, known as "The Ellsworth Avengers" (after Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, a New Yorker, and the first Union officer killed in the war) was formed at Albany and formed part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps. The regiment faced combat at Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull Run, was held in reserve at Antietam, and fought at Fredericksburg, and the Chancellorsville Campaign. At Gettysburg, the regiment, was rushed to Little Round Top in order to counter Hood's attack, and took part in the defense that culminated in Chamberlain's legendary bayonet charge into the shocked remnants of Laws' Texans and Alabamians. Mundy, as quartermaster, would've shuttled back and forth between the regimental staff commanding on the hill, and the supply train near the artillery park on the Spangler Farm behind and to the north of their position. Following Gettysburg, the regiment took part in the Wilderness Campaign and eventually made it back to Albany where the regiment was honorably discharged. Of the 1,061 men who marched off to war in 1861, only 184 returned. Mundy was fortunate to be one of them, and this sword had been with him throughout the years of hard service. After the war, Mundy went to work for the American Express Co. and was instrumental in the development of their Express Money Order system. He also instituted similar systems for the US Express Co., and the Pacific Express Co. He passed away in 1896 at New York City. This is an excellent presentation Union officer's sword that was present at some of the greatest battles in American history and belonged to a capable, intelligent officer. Oversized.