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HISTORIC PRESENTATION GRADE CIVIL WAR CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER INSCRIBED TO LT. W.H. MITCHELL, 21ST N

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Other Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
HISTORIC PRESENTATION GRADE CIVIL WAR CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER INSCRIBED TO LT. W.H. MITCHELL, 21ST N
HISTORIC PRESENTATION GRADE CIVIL WAR CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER INSCRIBED TO LT. W.H. MITCHELL, 21ST NEW YORK CAVALRY KILLED IN ACTION AT THE BATTLE OF NEW MARKET, 1864. A most historic inscribed presentation sword to a gallant officer of the 21st New York Cavalry who was killed on the battlefield at New Market, Virginia on May 15, 1864. The sword is a high grade presentation model of the regulation U.S. Model 1840 Cavalry Officer’s sword. The curved, heavy single edged and etched blade is signed by its maker “W. Clauberg/Solingen” on the ricasso. The blade is replete with etched patriotic designs including scrolls, trophies, crossed flags with the motto “stand by the Union” and a liberty cap within a sunburst. The hilt is of regulation three branch style heavily cast in high relief with scrolls and flourishes. The pommel is fancy as well. The grip appears to be of pewter or nickel silver. It is verticallay ribbed with panels of acanthus leaf. The scabbard is of nickel silver with fancy and engraved brass furntiture. The ring mounts are heavily cast with acanthus leaf decoration, and the scrolled engraving on the sheet brass mounts is present on the front side only. On the reverse of the top mount is the inscription: PRESENTED/by the/Members of Co. A/21st New York Cavalry/TO/ 1st LIEUT. W.H. MITCHELL./Sept. 1863.” The 21st New York Cavalry, also known as the Griswold Light Cavalry, was recruited principally from the counties of up state New York. Rallied in Troy, the unit was organized during the summer of 1863. Mitchell was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant on August 8, 1863 and mustered into Company A of the regiment. On September 3, 1863 he was promoted to Captain. The cavalry unit fought and patrolled throughout West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley prior to its first major engagement at New Market. At the Battle of New Market, Virginia, Capt. Mitchell was killed in action, one of three casualties from this unit in that battle. CONDITION: Very good, much of the original gilt is present on the brass hilt, which is uncleaned and has an untouched yellow patina. The blade is a medium gray with some peppery spotting here and there. The etching is very strong. The scabbard is uncleaned, in very good condition and without any major dents. 4-53556 CW5