25317

Washington Sword Belt Plate and Memorial Cameo

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Washington Sword Belt Plate and Memorial Cameo
<B>Unique and Historically Important Sword Belt Plate Worn by a Member of Washington's Escort for His Inauguration on April 30, 1789.</B></I> Oval copper sword belt plate, measuring 2 3/8" x 3 1/4", with a finely engraved image of a mounted soldier brandishing a cutlass. His rearing charger faces right, standing on a grassy patch of ground. Ribands above and below are inscribed "3rd New York or Washington Troop." The backside has the impressed stamp of the maker, Bayley. The original lugs or hooks have been removed and replaced with a T-hinged pin for attachment. Condition is outstanding with little or no wear. The item was cleaned perhaps 40-50 years ago and has retoned nicely. This unique piece has been highly cherished by its previous owners and has always been accorded a place of honor and distinction. Provenance includes: <BR><BR>Descendants of Major (later General) Jacob Morton, Ticonderoga, NY <BR>J. Harold Cobb, Hamden, CT <BR>Elmer A. Piercy, Victorville, CA <BR>A Pennsylvania collector <BR>The current consignor. <BR><BR>This intriguing piece first entered the "collecting fraternity" around 1961, when it was acquired by J. Harold Cobb, self-proclaimed "Moderator of Washington Historical Buttons." At this time Cobb and Alphaeus "Dewey" Albert were the doyens of Washington inaugural button collectors. A letter from J. Harold Cobb to Elmer Piercy regarding this item relates the following: "Found at Ticonderoga, NY with Sons of Revolution medal. C. 1789 Worn in Inaugural Parade by Major Jacob Morton (aide-de-camp to Col. Morgan Lewis). Signed J. BAYLEY (with) Federal eagle's head touch. Made by J. Bailey [sic] Fishkill, NY, the maker of Washington's sword. This was worn by one of the mounted figures shown in the drawing of the Inauguration that you have. It is a cross-belt plate. The lugs have been removed from the back so that it would lay flat (lugs fitted into holes in belt) and a p