Our Price: sold 

HIGH GRADE PRESENTATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD OF LT. ALONZO WHITE, 36TH MASS. This is a high grade silver gripped staff & field sword retailed and marked “PALMERS & BACHELDERS/BOSTON MASS”. Sword is actually a product of German maker “CLAUBERG”. 32″ blade is in nearly mint condition with bright etched panels including a large interlocked “US” and panoply of arms.

A presentation is found on back of top mount which reads “PRESENTED TO LT. A.A. WHITE FROM HIS FRIENDS OF UPTON, MASS”. Hilt of this sword in its basket has a drooped winged eagle with a patriotic shield on its breast rising among foliate decoration. Another eagle is present as the quillon. Another eagle is found decorating the pommel; this eagle is spread winged holding a ribbon and a patriotic shield. The spiral sheet silver grip is bound by triple brass wire. The brown steel scabbard exhibits large cast raised relief mounts. The top ring mount exhibits Lady Liberty, the middle mount has a panoply of arms including a cannon, a sword, an infantry horn, a drum and a flag. The drag shows a running soldier carrying the American flag. A well worn sword knot is still tied to knuckle bow. 

Alonzo White entered the service as a 1st Sergeant on Aug. 27, 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in July 1863 and later to 1st Lieutenant April 23, 1864. On May 26, 1864 Lt. White was severely wounded at the Battle of Spottsylvania, Virginia which effectively ended his military career. He mustered out in Nov. 1864. You considering a beautiful high grade sword given to an officer less than a month before his wounding ended his military career. 

Superb condition. The blade is bright retaining most of its original frost and luster with scattered black staining. Brass hilt, pommel retain over 50% original gilting. The scabbard mounts retain traces of original gilt especially in the protected areas. The browned scabbard body retains most of its finish with areas of scattered pin prick pitting. Bullion sword knot is intact though badly frayed exposing cord near knot. This sword has an auction record being sold by James D. Julia auctions in the Spring of 2010 for $8050.

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