3105

EXQUISITE PRESENTATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
EXQUISITE PRESENTATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S
SWORD TO S.A. RAYMOND. Overall length: 40". Blade length: 31 3/4". The single fullered blade is etched over 2/3 of its length with various military, patriotic & foliate motifs. Ricasso is marked, “W. CLAUBERG (knight) SOLINGEN”. Gilded, heavily embellished hilt with pineapple finial at the top. The front of the finial has a fully articulated bust of Lady Liberty/Columbia. The exceptionally well detailed 2 sided guard features an intricately cut out spray of arms that includes a cannon, mortar, drum, cannon balls, “U.S.”, rifle, sword & acanthus leaves. Quillon is covered with acanthus leaves & graduated balls. The edge of the guard to the beginning of the knucklebow is adorned with graduated spheres. The grip is incredibly intricately carved ivory & features Lady Liberty/Columbia standing in a starred archway. Her arms are down holding a wreath, shield & liberty pole. The scabbard has a gilded brass throat, 2 mounts & a drag. All mounts are heavily embellished. The body of the scabbard is silver plated & deeply engraved with oak leaves & acorns. The presentation inscription between the 2 ringed mounts, “Presented to S.A. Raymond Student of Yale College in testimony of his being the most skillful swordsman, and one of the most accomplished gentlemen in his Class of _____ by Maj. Wm. Beatty." Samuel Atwater Raymond was born in 1845 & lived in Cleveland, Ohio. He is listed in the Yale College class of 1870 & won 2nd prize in the swordsmanship class of Major William Beatty as a freshman in 1867. He was the highest placing freshman & 1st place was awarded to Henry Raymond, a junior & son of the New York Times co-founder, Henry Jarvis Raymond. Major Beatty was a former British Army officer that became an instructor of officers in the US Army during the Civil War. Subsequent to his military service, Beatty taught swordsmanship at Yale in 1866 & 1867. The presentation of the award swords is recorded in “The Yale Courant” of Jan. 9th & Jan. 30th of 1867. CONDITION: blade has a light gray finish with a few scattered areas of light oxidation. Gold plating on the hilt is 90%+. Ivory grip has a few minor tight age cracks. Scabbard mounts have significant gold plating remaining. Scabbard body has 95% silver plate intact with a single dent 11" up from the drag on the backside. The inscription is exceptionally clear & easily read. (02-14532/BF). $10,000-12,000.