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FEDERAL PERIOD HIGH GRADE OFFICER'S SWORD POSSIBLY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
FEDERAL PERIOD HIGH GRADE OFFICER'S SWORD POSSIBLY

GIVEN TO GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON BY GRATEFUL CITIZENS OF NEW ORLEANS WITH FAMILY PORTRAIT MINIATURE.
1) SWORD. Overall length: 34 1/2". Blade length: 29 1/4". Blade has a raised medial ridge and features gold highlighted etching on a blued field. Etching includes various foliate motifs and sprays of arms, one of which includes a Liberty cap on pole, American shield and a cannon barrel. Heavily gilded hilt features a raised wing eagle motif on the shield shaped languets. Quillon is nicely embellished with laurel leaves on 1 end of the crossguard. A stylish knuckle bow emanates from the opposite end of the crossguard. Heavy acanthus leaves and a central medallion decorate the knuckle bow. Graceful eagle head pommel with a ball in the eagle's beak. Eagle feathers extend over halfway down the faceted backstrap. Carved and decorated certifiably antique ivory grip. Very heavily gilded scabbard with decorative floral and geometric engraving on the front along with an artistically rendered raised wing eagle and shield between the scabbard rings. The sword is accompanied by its original period buckskin traveling case. The case is handmade and handsewn with a large flap at the top to cover the hilt. Family history since the 1820's has stated the sword was presented to General Andrew Jackson from some grateful citizens of New Orleans. It is maintained that the sword was given to Doyle O'Hanlon, or perhaps Andrew O'Hanlon, by Jackson himself. The sword has passed through generations of the O'Hanlon family to present day. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a copy of a newspaper article with Andy O'Hanlon holding the sword during a Jackson Day celebration held annually on January 8th. A copy of a partial O'Hanlon family tree and information on Doyle O'Hanlon. CONDITION: the once tricolored blade has most of the white and blue field obscured by overall light oxidation. However, most of the etching remains clear and well gilded. Hilt is loose but retains nearly all of its original heavily gilded finish. The grip is missing a small section of ivory at the top that measures approx. 7/8" x 7/8". The scabbard shows very light wear overall and also retains virtually all of its original heavily gilded finish. The buckskin case shows heavy use but appears to remain substantially complete. The seam of the shaft is open over about 50% of the case. The upper flap, as well as its closing holes, are surprisingly intact. This case is a very rare survivor of its form as it was likely made on a plantation, miles from a professional sword cutler.
2) PORTRAIT. A wonderfully detailed portrait miniature pendant on certifiably antique ivory measuring approx. 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" including the suspension ring. The reverse of the pendant encloses braided hair presumably of the sitter. This portrait has accompanied the sword with the family as long as can be remembered. It is likely Andrew Jackson O'Hanlon of Fayetteville, NC who was the first recorded owner of the sword according to the family. O'Hanlon may have received the sword directly from Jackson or possibly from his father, Doyle O'Hanlon, who may have received it from Jackson. The pendant is housed in an early unassociated watch case with a Savannah, GA address. CONDITION: portrait is crisp with vibrant colors. The pendant is undamaged and shows a light overall tarnish. Hair is exceptionally well preserved. PROVENANCE: from Doyle O'Hanlon to Andrew O'Hanlon to George O'Hanlon to Issac O'Hanlon to Edward O'Hanlon to Andy O'Hanlon to A Florida Collector. (02-17786/BF). $2,000-3,000.