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LOT 1011
Two Officer’s Dress Swords and Scabbards, One Inscribed “GEN. NELSON A. MILES,” Both Seen in Photographs of the General, and a Display Board - Both swords in this lot are variants of the Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword. The first has a 30 3/4 inch straight blade with patriotic and classical etching that includes “HARTLEY/& GRAHAM/NEW YORK” (1880-1899) on the left side. The hilt is gilt brass with elaborate decoration, including a spread wing eagle and shield design on the obverse languet. The underside of the obverse languet has “GEN. NELSON A. MILES./1864” as well as an oval maker’s mark with three stars over “E.L.” The grip is silver. A sword knot is tied to the base of the knuckle bow. The scabbard is browned steel with gilt brass furniture with floral patterns. Miles is seen wearing this sword in the picture in the upper left of the included 28 1/2 by 30 1/2 display which features other photographs of the general with swords as well as a letter from him in 1865 making a recommendation for West Point. The same photo is also opposite of the title page in the included copy of “Personal Recollections of General Nelson A. Miles” by the general. The portrait with this sword is from his time as commander of the Department of the East in the 1890s. By that time, he was one of the most decorated American generals, having served through the Civil War and as the commander of U.S. forces in multiple Indian campaigns in the West that led to the defeat of Sitting Bull, Geronimo, and Chief Joseph. He was soon to become the last man to hold the position of Commanding General of the U.S. Army, a position he held from October 5, 1895, until his mandatory retirement at the age of 64 on August 8, 1903. The sword may be the one presented to him on November 8, 1887, by the citizens of Arizona after his success in the Geronimo campaign. It is discussed on page 532 of the included copy of his “Personal Recollections” and described as a “very beautifully ornamented sword.”
It was presented during a celebration of the campaign that included “a street parade at 12:30 and ending with a grand reception and ball at the San Xavier Hotel, Tucson, in the evening.”
The second sword has a 29 3/4 inch blade with scroll, classical martial, and patriotic etching and “SHANON./ MILLER./&/CRANE./NEW YORK./N.Y.” (active c. 1867-1896) etched near the base on the reverse. The hilt is gilt brass with an eagle and flags on the obverse and patriotic shield, arms, and oak and laurel branches on the folding
22 reverse languet. The silver grip is a floral pattern wanted with a gilt wrap, and a golden sword knot is tied to the
knuckle bow by the pommel. The scabbard is nickeled with gilt brass fittings. This sword appears in a photography of General Miles taken by C.M.
Bell between February 1894 and February 1901 viewable online at the Library of Congress (Control Number: 2016697528).
A copy of “General Miles: The Red Man’s Conqueror and Champion” by Charles B. Erlanson is also included.
CONDITION: The first sword is excellent overall with attractive dark aged patina on the grip, mostly bright gilt finish on the brass, distinct designs throughout, and minor oxidation primarily at the tip of the otherwise very fine blade. The second sword is fine and has a bright blade, strong original gilt finish, some blistering of the otherwise complete original nickel plating on the scabbard, and attractive dark aged patina on the silver grip.
Provenance: The Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500