CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION NON-REGULATION STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD; CAPTAIN CHARLES WOLFF, 59TH NEW YORK INFANTRY.

CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION NON-REGULATION STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD; CAPTAIN CHARLES WOLFF, 59TH NEW YORK INFANTRY. A very nice example of an officer’s presentation sword presented to him at his discharge from service in the American Civil War. The sword is a high quality imported non-regulation staff and field officer’s sword. The slightly curved, single edged blade is 30 3/4” long with patriotic etched designs over 60 % of its face. The designs include stands of trophies, a spread winged American eagle, “U.S” and the national motto. The blade is unmarked, has an unstopped fuller and may be of French or German manufacture. The cast brass and gilded half basket hilt displays an eagle atop a national shield. Behind the eagle is a stand of eight flags with seven stars spread upon a ribband surmounting the eagle’s head. The remainder of the counterguard is pierced including a quatrefoil piercing on the reverse. The pommel and back strap are cast as one piece in high relief showing classical scrollwork, ivy leaf decoration and a small cameo. The grip is of sharkskin, triple wire wrapped wood. The scabbard is of leather with classically cast and decorated brass furniture that matches the designs present in the hilt. On the face of the top scabbard mount the following presentation is inscribed: “Presented/to/Charles Wolff/by/C.W. & J.L./June 13, 1865.”

Wolff was born in 1822 and enlisted into the army on July 29, 1861 in New York City. He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant during the 59th New York Regiment’s recruiting period and joined Company C as its junior grade officer on September 18, 1861. He was promoted to Captain to serve as the company commander on November 11, 1862.

Wolff was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps on September 10, 1863. No discharge date is listed.

During Wolff’s term with the 59th New York, the regiment saw conspicuous action at Antietam, loosing 9 officers in front of the Dunker Church. The regiment next moved to Fredericksburg and took heavy losses. In May 1863 the 59th went to Chancellorsville prior to their march toward Gettysburg. In weakened numbers from their previous engagements the unit was consolidated into four companies, combined with the newly recruited 82nd New York Infantry and prepared for their march to Pennsylvania. They reached the Battle of Gettysburg and engaged the Confederates on July 2-3, losing a total of 6 officers and 26 enlisted men. Wolff was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps in September 1863. The reason for his transfer is not stated but may be due to a wound received. More research could be completed on this officer who served in some of the war’s most notable engagements.

CONDITION: Very good. The blade is gray, having been cleaned once or twice but the etching remains strong. The hilt and brass furniture has a nice mellow patina. The grip is worn in three high spots, the scabbard quite nice. 4-53202 CW3 (5,500-7,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1135	$4,025.00	CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION NON-REGULATION STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD; CAPTAIN CHARLES WOLFF, 59TH NEW YORK INFANTRY. A very nice example of an officer’s presentation sword presented to him at his discharge from service in the American Civil War. The sword is a high quality imported non-regulation staff and field officer’s sword. The slightly curved, single edged blade is 30 3/4” long with patriotic etched designs over 60 % of its face. The designs include stands of trophies, a spread winged American eagle, “U.S” and the national motto. The blade is unmarked, has an unstopped fuller and may be of French or German manufacture. The cast brass and gilded half basket hilt displays an eagle atop a national shield. Behind the eagle is a stand of eight flags with seven stars spread upon a ribband surmounting the eagle’s head. The remainder of the counterguard is pierced including a quatrefoil piercing on the reverse. The pommel and back strap are cast as one piece in high relief showing classical scrollwork, ivy leaf decoration and a small cameo. The grip is of sharkskin, triple wire wrapped wood. The scabbard is of leather with classically cast and decorated brass furniture that matches the designs present in the hilt. On the face of the top scabbard mount the following presentation is inscribed: “Presented/to/Charles Wolff/by/C.W. & J.L./June 13, 1865.” Wolff was born in 1822 and enlisted into the army on July 29, 1861 in New York City. He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant during the 59th New York Regiment’s recruiting period and joined Company C as its junior grade officer on September 18, 1861. He was promoted to Captain to serve as the company commander on November 11, 1862. Wolff was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps on September 10, 1863. No discharge date is listed. During Wolff’s term with the 59th New York, the regiment saw conspicuous action at Antietam, loosing 9 officers in front of the Dunker Church. The regiment next moved to Fredericksburg and took heavy losses. In May 1863 the 59th went to Chancellorsville prior to their march toward Gettysburg. In weakened numbers from their previous engagements the unit was consolidated into four companies, combined with the newly recruited 82nd New York Infantry and prepared for their march to Pennsylvania. They reached the Battle of Gettysburg and engaged the Confederates on July 2-3, losing a total of 6 officers and 26 enlisted men. Wolff was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps in September 1863. The reason for his transfer is not stated but may be due to a wound received. More research could be completed on this officer who served in some of the war’s most notable engagements. CONDITION: Very good. The blade is gray, having been cleaned once or twice but the etching remains strong. The hilt and brass furniture has a nice mellow patina. The grip is worn in three high spots, the scabbard quite nice. 4-53202 CW3 (5,500-7,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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