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"While (I) was in the Union Line in front of Petersburg, a 'bullet struck the shield of my sword, splitting it in two, a small piece struck my neck on the side only burning it a little. Another piece melted into the handle.'"
- Major General Nelson A. Miles from the book A Hero to His Fighting Men by Peter R. DeMontravel
A description of the sword included in the file indicated that this sword was “documented” as presented to Miles by his father in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, after funds were raised in Westminster to buy the sword and that it was then “documented” as damaged at the Siege of Petersburg. In the latter battle, Miles did indicate that he was lightly wounded when a bullet struck his sword’s guard and split in two with one piece striking him in the neck and the other “melted into the handle.” This is recorded in “A Hero to His Fighting Men: Nelson A. Miles, 1839-1925” by Peter R. DeMontravel. The included description suggests that Miles then likely had the sword professionally repaired by Ames after the war. The source of the documentation concerning the presentation was not included and is unknown at this time. A copy of “Serving the Republic” by Miles and “Nelson A. Miles: A Documentary Biography of His Military Career, 1861-1903” edited by Brian C. Pohanka are included.
CONDITION: Excellent overall. The sword retains nearly all of its original bright gilt finish and has a distinct inscription, crisp engraving and etching, and generally only very minor age and storage related wear mostly in the form of patches of dark patina at the drag and suspension bands of the scabbard and some light wear on the leather grip. This is certainly one of best preserved officer’s swords we have seen in recent years, and its presentation to Nelson A. Miles while he was a colonel following his near fatal wound at the Battle of Chancellorsville for which he was later awarded the Medal of Honor certainly makes this sword a truly special piece.
Provenance: The Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 40,000 - 65,000
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