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HIGH GRADE PRESENTATION M1850 STAFF & FIELD STYLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
HIGH GRADE PRESENTATION M1850 STAFF & FIELD STYLE

SABER BY TIFFANY FOR THE 9TH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY. Overall length: 39". Blade length: 32". The old Columbian Artillery of Massachusetts was disbanded because of non-native born American bias pressures stemming from Governor Gardner & the Know Nothing Party. The Columbian Artillery reformed as the Columbian Association, a fraternal group that maintained its own armory. At the outbreak of the Civil War, many members of the Columbian Association joined up en masse as the new Columbian Guards known as Company A of the 9th Massachusetts Infantry. Notable battles of the 9th Massachusetts include Mechanicsville, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness & Cold Harbor. The blade of this sword is etched over 2/3 of its length w/ various military, patriotic & foliate motifs including crossed cannons that pay homage to the unit's roots as the Columbian Artillery. The ricasso is stamped, "COLLINS & CO HARTFORD CONN. 1862". Slightly above the ricasso, a sm. panel is etched, "TIFFANY & CO NEW YORK". Gilded brass intensely ornate hilt featuring a "US" in the heavily pierced, semi basket guard. Faceted knuckle bow is enhanced w/ oak leaves & joins a heavily embellished pommel. Beautiful solid silver, vertically ribbed grip is highlighted by alternating ribs decorated w/ leaves. Gilded brass scabbard w/ exceptionally ornate mounts & suspension loops. The scabbard is engraved between the top 2 mounts w/ the officer's name (no longer legible) & "By Members of Columbian Guards ( ) Mass. Vols. as a mark of esteem to a deserving Officer". CONDITION: the blade has been highly buffed but etching remains quite vivid. Hilt is very solid & retains some traces of original gilding. Grip is undamaged. Scabbard shows 1 tiny dent & retains much of its original gilding. Sadly, the officer's name & company has been purposely scratched out & rendered illegible. The remaining inscription, noted above, is clear & easily read. (02-17522/BF). $2,500-4,000.