HIGH GRADE CASED TIFFANY PRESENTATION SWORD OF BRIG. GEN. HENRY W. BIRGE.

HIGH GRADE CASED TIFFANY PRESENTATION SWORD OF BRIG. GEN. HENRY W. BIRGE. This unusual and fine presentation sword represents among the finest of Tiffany workmanship. There are few examples known with a full figure bust of George Washington’s head which measures 2-1/2″ on pedestal as pommel. Knuckle bow has silver medallions of Hercules in raised relief and oval medallions on either side. The sheet silver grip is oct with engraved panels of laurel with plain oval panels for inscriptions. The 6-1/2″ cross guard has 2″ “draped” languets. Cross guard terminates in full figural ram’s heads. Scabbard has high relief florally decorated mounts. Drag is also florally decorated with a 4″ fasces in raised relief. Sword retains virtually all of its orig gold plating, which nicely highlight the silver grip and medallions. The blade is etched in typical high grade motifs typical of Tiffany with gold highlights and background. Fitted case also retains a General Officer’s gold sash with very unusual and high grade bouillon stripes. This is a beautiful cased Tiffany sword and sash that Gen. Birge must have proudly owned. Another high grade Tiffany sword is still retained by the family, which was presented by the 13th CT, Jan 1, 1864 as tribute for 1st unit entering Pt. Hudson upon its capture, is on display at the Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich, CT along with other arms. Gen. Birge was from a wealthy and important CT family, but this wealthy man was also a great fighter and from The History of Connecticut During the War by Croffutt & Morris, Gen. Birge in one anecdote concerning the Battle of Port Hudson. “First as Col, Birge he was in command of the Thirteenth regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. He was a strict, if not severe, disciplinarian, an accurate drill master, proud of his men, and possessed of a quick military mind. He especially enjoined neatness, cleanliness and martial bearing. Every belt, shoe and box must be neatly polished; every gun barrel and bayonet must shine like a mirror; every hand must wear a glove of spotless white; every form must be erect and manly.” Spectators commented “This regiment is composed only of rich men’s sons”. Birge replied “Well, I notice they didn’t run away like some of the dirty regiments”. Indeed Birge’s men were fighters having 50 causalities on April 14, 1863 at Irish Bend, LA and 23 additional causalities on June 14, 1862 at Port Hudson. At the beginning of the Civil War, Birge organized the first state regiment of CT. inf. in which he was originally appointed Maj. After service in MD and VA he was commissioned Col. of the 13th CT. Inf. in 1862 and was placed in command of the defenses in New Orleans. In Dec. of 1862, he was given command of a brigade which he retained during the first Red River Campaign and at the siege of Port Hudson. He was promoted to the rank of Brig. Gen. in 1863 and served in the 2nd Red River Campaign and subsequently commanded troops in Baton Rouge. In 1864 he was assigned to the command of the 2nd Div. of the 19th Army Corp and participated under Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns. He was given command of the Defenses of Savannah in 1865 and his brigade fought in the Carolina’s Campaign under Sherman. On Feb. 25, 1865 Birge was awarded Brevet rank of Maj. Gen. PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Overall very good to fine. 32-1/2″ dbl edge blade is bright with 19″ etched panels retaining much of there gold highlights with areas of staining and pitting as can be seen in photographs. Brass hilt, pommel, scabbard and mounts have scattered areas of staining, small scratches and dings retaining 95% of there orig gilt. Silver grip has several dents, especially at top as can be seen in photos. Silver medallions like grip have dark silver patina. The 43″ x 9-3/4″ x 3-3/4″ case is in very good overall condition with numerous small scrapes and scratches, but is sound with good hinges and locks. Blue velvet liner in box is sound and solid, coming unglued slightly on edges. The block to hold middle mount is loose and there are several tears in silk pillow liner on top. Even though casing is missing its presentation plaque; which has popped out, it still retains the 7-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ paper label on bottom of box which reads “H.W. Birge, Brig. Gen’l U.S.V., Norwich Conn.”. The 7′ long sash is 6″ wide with buff silk backing and striped bouillon facing is sound and solid as are knots. 4-46925 JS90 (65,000-75,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012

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
	2012	$0.00	HIGH GRADE CASED TIFFANY PRESENTATION SWORD OF BRIG. GEN. HENRY W. BIRGE. This unusual and fine presentation sword represents among the finest of Tiffany workmanship. There are few examples known with a full figure bust of George Washington’s head which measures 2-1/2″ on pedestal as pommel. Knuckle bow has silver medallions of Hercules in raised relief and oval medallions on either side. The sheet silver grip is oct with engraved panels of laurel with plain oval panels for inscriptions. The 6-1/2″ cross guard has 2″ “draped” languets. Cross guard terminates in full figural ram’s heads. Scabbard has high relief florally decorated mounts. Drag is also florally decorated with a 4″ fasces in raised relief. Sword retains virtually all of its orig gold plating, which nicely highlight the silver grip and medallions. The blade is etched in typical high grade motifs typical of Tiffany with gold highlights and background. Fitted case also retains a General Officer’s gold sash with very unusual and high grade bouillon stripes. This is a beautiful cased Tiffany sword and sash that Gen. Birge must have proudly owned. Another high grade Tiffany sword is still retained by the family, which was presented by the 13th CT, Jan 1, 1864 as tribute for 1st unit entering Pt. Hudson upon its capture, is on display at the Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich, CT along with other arms. Gen. Birge was from a wealthy and important CT family, but this wealthy man was also a great fighter and from The History of Connecticut During the War by Croffutt & Morris, Gen. Birge in one anecdote concerning the Battle of Port Hudson. “First as Col, Birge he was in command of the Thirteenth regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. He was a strict, if not severe, disciplinarian, an accurate drill master, proud of his men, and possessed of a quick military mind. He especially enjoined neatness, cleanliness and martial bearing. Every belt, shoe and box must be neatly polished; every gun barrel and bayonet must shine like a mirror; every hand must wear a glove of spotless white; every form must be erect and manly.” Spectators commented “This regiment is composed only of rich men’s sons”. Birge replied “Well, I notice they didn’t run away like some of the dirty regiments”. Indeed Birge’s men were fighters having 50 causalities on April 14, 1863 at Irish Bend, LA and 23 additional causalities on June 14, 1862 at Port Hudson. At the beginning of the Civil War, Birge organized the first state regiment of CT. inf. in which he was originally appointed Maj. After service in MD and VA he was commissioned Col. of the 13th CT. Inf. in 1862 and was placed in command of the defenses in New Orleans. In Dec. of 1862, he was given command of a brigade which he retained during the first Red River Campaign and at the siege of Port Hudson. He was promoted to the rank of Brig. Gen. in 1863 and served in the 2nd Red River Campaign and subsequently commanded troops in Baton Rouge. In 1864 he was assigned to the command of the 2nd Div. of the 19th Army Corp and participated under Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns. He was given command of the Defenses of Savannah in 1865 and his brigade fought in the Carolina’s Campaign under Sherman. On Feb. 25, 1865 Birge was awarded Brevet rank of Maj. Gen. PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Overall very good to fine. 32-1/2″ dbl edge blade is bright with 19″ etched panels retaining much of there gold highlights with areas of staining and pitting as can be seen in photographs. Brass hilt, pommel, scabbard and mounts have scattered areas of staining, small scratches and dings retaining 95% of there orig gilt. Silver grip has several dents, especially at top as can be seen in photos. Silver medallions like grip have dark silver patina. The 43″ x 9-3/4″ x 3-3/4″ case is in very good overall condition with numerous small scrapes and scratches, but is sound with good hinges and locks. Blue velvet liner in box is sound and solid, coming unglued slightly on edges. The block to hold middle mount is loose and there are several tears in silk pillow liner on top. Even though casing is missing its presentation plaque; which has popped out, it still retains the 7-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ paper label on bottom of box which reads “H.W. Birge, Brig. Gen’l U.S.V., Norwich Conn.”. The 7′ long sash is 6″ wide with buff silk backing and striped bouillon facing is sound and solid as are knots. 4-46925 JS90 (65,000-75,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012 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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