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

72179

General Robert Cowdin's Civil War Presentation C

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
General Robert Cowdin's Civil War Presentation C
<B>General Robert Cowdin's Civil War Presentation Cavalry Saber</B></I> This Schuyler, Hartley and Graham presentation sword was given to Brigadier General Robert Cowdin on January 1, 1863 by his staff. This sword has an elaborate guard and grip with a blade and scabbard that are equally impressive.<BR><BR>Robert Cowdin was born in Jamaica, Vermont on September 8, 1805 and moved to Massachusetts at the age of twenty. Already a member of the state militia at the outbreak of the Civil War, he was named Colonel of the 1st Massachusetts Infantry as the war began. He led his regiment at the Battle of First Bull Run, Williamsburg, and at Chantilly. He was appointed brigadier general just three months before this sword was presented to him by his staff as he served at the defenses of Washington, DC.<BR><BR>This ornate saber has a 36” curved blade with fine scroll etching on each side. On the obverse appears 'US' between the foliate etching while on the reverse, a spread-winged eagle with a ribbon bearing the words 'E. Pluribus Unum' above its head are nicely done. At the ricasso the maker's mark of "Schuyler Hartley & Graham" is etched while on the mark of "W. Caluberg Solingen" the maker of the blade is stamped. Schuyler used only the finest blades and advertised many different styles of engraving and blades.<BR><BR>The grip of the sword is very decorative being made of silver bands with a shamrock design etching with narrow brass and gilt etched bands. The guard is of three curved, highly gilded bars curved to the pommel. The inside and the outside of the guard are highly engraved in a floral pattern terminating at the tang with a cherubic device. Atop the grip under the pommel is a large bearded medallion device nicely gilded as well.<BR><BR>The metal scabbard is decorated at the throat with a gilded and intricately engraved band above two large gold medallions at 4” and 12” down the scabbard. The drag is also very ornamental extended 6” from the end of the scabbard. Highly etched, this part of the sword and scabbard shows the most loss of the gilt as it has seen much use. Between the two medallions on the scabbard is the inscription to General Cowdin as follows:<BR><BR>Presented to<BR>Brig. Gen. Robt. Cowdin<BR>By His Staff<BR>Jany 1st 1863<BR><BR>This is an overall very attractive presentation sword and scabbard given to a brigadier general during the Civil War.<BR><BR> <B>Provenance:</B></I> <I>The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR> <BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><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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