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LOT 3220
Historic, Relief Chiseled, Gilt and Silver Grip, Presentation William Horstmann
& Sons Etched Blade Model 1840 Foot Officer’s Sword Inscribed to Brevet Captain C.P. Evans of the 11th U.S. Infantry Regiment for Gallant Conduct During the Mexican-American War - This is a very attractive example of some of
the highest quality presentation work available from the Wm. Horstmann & Sons firm
of Philadelphia, which specialized in military trimmings and trappings as well as a plethora of other ornate goods. This specific example was approved and paid for by
the legislature of the State of Delaware in a resolution which was reported on in the “The Record” of West Chester, Pennsylvania, on 27 February 1849. The inscription on the scabbard reads “Presented Feby. 20th. 1849, to Brevet Captain C.P. EVANS, 11th Regt. U.S. Infantry, by the Legislature of the State of Delaware, for his Gallant and Meritous conduct, in the WAR with MEXICO.” Another article from the same newspaper from 26 June 1849, likely the day of the physical presentation, states that Evans, a Pennsylvania native, was working as a newspaper editor in Delaware when the war broke out and,
in the words of the paper, “dropped the pen to pick up the sword” and enlist. The 11th U.S. Infantry Regiment was involved in most of the major pitched battles of the war including Chapultepec and the Battle for Mexico City. Sadly, much of the details of Evans’ military accomplishments appear to have been lost with time; however, the same newspaper states on 12 September 1848, Evans was appointed captain by brevet by
the president for gallant conduct during the war. The sword itself is of the typical Model 1840 foot officer’s pattern, with the addition of a plethora of elaborate ornamentation. It measures 38 1/4 inches overall with a 32 inch straight blade with a single fuller running
half the length and the lower half having floral and martial etching on both sides.
The ornate hilt is primarily cast and relief chiseled brass with floral and oak leaf motifs throughout. The guard has an upper quillion featuring an eagle’s head, a fixed languet on the right with a silver plate at the center engraved with the state seal of Delaware,
a rain guard on the left with floral motifs and Evans’ engraved initials, and a D-shaped knuckle guard relief chiseled with oak leaves. Many areas of the hilt appear to have
been gilt. The grip is multi-faceted silver engraved with floral motifs. The brass pommel takes the form of an acorn which is wrapped with chiseled oak leaves. The body of
the scabbard is silvered and engraved with floral motifs and banners listing the major battles the 11th Regiment took part in. The chape has floral motifs and acorns. The lower suspension has floral motifs. There is a relief wreath of oak leaves around the engraved inscription, and the upper suspension at the throat has a knight’s helm and floral motifs. It is truly a testament to the level of craftsmanship that Horstmann & Sons was capable of during the period.
CONDITION: Very fine, the blade mostly bright with a few patches of scattered light spotting and well-defined etching. The hilt shows some traces of gilt finish, dark aged silver in sheltered areas, and attractively aged brass. The silver grip shows an attractively aged patina. The scabbard retains traces of gilt finish and most of the silver which shows an attractive, dark, aged patina. The engraving and relief chiseling is crisp overall. A fantastic presentation sword from one of America’s finest makers!
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
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