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WONDERFUL CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION SWORD TO BRIG. GENERAL LAWRENCE GRAHAM.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
WONDERFUL CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION SWORD TO BRIG. GENERAL LAWRENCE GRAHAM.
This is a beautiful sword with a massive cruciform guard in the form of a heraldic spread wing eagle. This sword measures 39" overall with a 31-1/2" two sided blade with etched floral and geometric patterns with a central fuller. Grip is sharkskin with a knight's head pommel and a solid brass scabbard with raised relief mounts with human hands used as sword ring attachments. The sword was made by & marked on ricasso by Coulau of Klingenthal, France where many of the great 19th century and earlier sword blades were made. Sword is inscribed on scabbard between top mounts "To Brig. Gen'l L.P. Graham from his staff January 1, 1862". This sword is in beautiful condition retaining original gold wash on mounts and blade retains much of its original muster. General Graham was born in Virginia in 1815 and graduated from West Point and had a long military career. Even though a Southerner, Graham fought for the Union cause after being an officer in the Seminole Wars in Florida and the Mexican War. When the Civil War began Graham was a major in the regular army but almost immediately was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers and was in charge of a brigade by the end of 1861. In the March of 1862 General Graham was a Division Commander in the 4th Army Corps. General Graham directed his division at the siege of Yorktown but became ill and was given less strenuous duties in St. Louis and Annapolis. General Graham retired from military service in December 1870 and spent his last 35 years (living to ripe old age of 90) as a Shakespearean scholar outliving his wife and his sons, one of which was also a West Point graduate, who are also buried with him at Arlington National Cemetery. CONDITION: Sword is in very good condition overall. Inscription is easily read as can be seen in photos. Brass scabbard, mounts, cross guard, and pommel all have good yellow brass patina with traces of gilt in their background. Chain connecting guard and pommel is missing but is easily replaced if wanted. Blade retains much of its original luster especially in etched panels with pitting and staining especially near tip. There is a leather sleeve that accompanies this sword which has protected its scabbard for many years. Sleeve is in poor condition being highly scuffed, worn, and a hole at the bottom and others in body. 4-49197 JS73