RARE, UNUSUAL, UNIQUE AND HISTORIC TIFFANY & COMPANY SILVER PLATED HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION ARTILLERY OFFICERS INSCRIBED SWORD-CAPT. W.A. TREADWELL 14TH N.Y. HEAVY ARTILLERY.

RARE, UNUSUAL, UNIQUE AND HISTORIC TIFFANY & COMPANY SILVER PLATED HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION ARTILLERY OFFICERS INSCRIBED SWORD-CAPT. W.A. TREADWELL 14TH N.Y. HEAVY ARTILLERY. One of the most spectacular Civil War presentation swords to come to market in some time. This represents the epitome of the sword-maker’s art and is an unusual, unique and rare silver-plated presentation sword and an historically important object of art. Styled after English Household Cavalry sabers of the Victorian period, this uniquely American sword carries all the elegance and sophistication of European design while incorporating all of the important patriotic symbols of the United States. Inscribed to Captain William A. Treadwell of the 14th New York Heavy Artillery, this sword is also historically important belonging to a fine officer from a well fought unit which distinguished itself in a number of important battles with the Army of the Potomac.

This sword is silver plated from head to toe. The blade was manufactured by Collins & Co. of Hartford, Connecticut and is so marked on the ricasso along with the date “1861” on the reverse. The curved, single edged blade is covered with deep etching over 60% of its length. Most of the decoration is floral with a standing artillery officer on one side and a standing infantryman on the other. Within the floral sprays is a fancy “US.”, above the ricasso in a small shield is “Tiffany & Co./N.Y.”. The hilt is silver-plated with a full basket guard in the English style. The openwork hilt is of rococo scrolls, beautifully shaded with engraving, and a gadrooned edging. Just above the counterguard is a classic Federal period style American eagle and shield, all hand engraved in the most elegant style. The eagle is surmounted by a fleur-de-lis and scroll up to the pommel. The quillon is most unusual being a fierce panther head with teeth bared. The pommel is of bird’s head style with a backstrap. Atop the pommel is a deeply cast Medusa head in high relief. Down the backstrap are engraved oak leaf fronds and acorns. The grip is of sterling silver with wide silver band wrap. The scabbard and mounts are also entirely silver plated. The throat has applied to the reverse and very small ribband and cartouche reading: “Tiffany & Co. / quality ___ 1000”. Immediately below is an Old English “M” in an oval cartouche. The top and middle mounts are cast high relief oak leaf clusters with ribbon knots near the rings. The drag is engraved with oak leaves and acorns terminating in a stylized scallop shell pattern. Between the top and middle mounts is inscribed: Presented in behalf of / Co. “G” 14th Regt. N.Y.V.A. / to / Capt. W.A. Treadwell / “Vera amicitia est sempiterua”.

Captain Treadwell enlisted as a Captain of the 164th Infantry Sept. 13, 1862. He joined the 14th NYHA as Captain of Company G in September 1863. He was discharged on December 14, 1864. Organized in Rochester during August and September 1864, the 14th NYHA saw service in the Rapidan Campaign, Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Pamunkey, Totopotomy Rivers, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, Siege of Petersburg, Mine Explosion, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Springs Church, Hatcher’s Run, Fort Stedman, Appomattox Campaign, Assault on and fall of Petersburg, and the Occupation of Petersburg. After which the 14th moved to Washington, D.C. and ended their duty there until the Grand Review on May 23. The unit was mustered out August 26, 1865. During their term of service the Regiment lost 6 officers and 220 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 officers and 299 enlisted men by disease.

An incredibly spectacular Tiffany presentation sword of the Civil War period! CONDITION: Excellent. Sword retains most of its original quality and is spectacular in appearance. Blade shows areas of peppery pitting, mostly near the edge, now cleaned bright. Full basket guard is slightly bent and the scabbard has one crease just above the drag. 4-51048 CW9 (10,000-15,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 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
	624	$19,550.00	RARE, UNUSUAL, UNIQUE AND HISTORIC TIFFANY & COMPANY SILVER PLATED HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION ARTILLERY OFFICERS INSCRIBED SWORD-CAPT. W.A. TREADWELL 14TH N.Y. HEAVY ARTILLERY. One of the most spectacular Civil War presentation swords to come to market in some time. This represents the epitome of the sword-maker’s art and is an unusual, unique and rare silver-plated presentation sword and an historically important object of art. Styled after English Household Cavalry sabers of the Victorian period, this uniquely American sword carries all the elegance and sophistication of European design while incorporating all of the important patriotic symbols of the United States. Inscribed to Captain William A. Treadwell of the 14th New York Heavy Artillery, this sword is also historically important belonging to a fine officer from a well fought unit which distinguished itself in a number of important battles with the Army of the Potomac. This sword is silver plated from head to toe. The blade was manufactured by Collins & Co. of Hartford, Connecticut and is so marked on the ricasso along with the date “1861” on the reverse. The curved, single edged blade is covered with deep etching over 60% of its length. Most of the decoration is floral with a standing artillery officer on one side and a standing infantryman on the other. Within the floral sprays is a fancy “US.”, above the ricasso in a small shield is “Tiffany & Co./N.Y.”. The hilt is silver-plated with a full basket guard in the English style. The openwork hilt is of rococo scrolls, beautifully shaded with engraving, and a gadrooned edging. Just above the counterguard is a classic Federal period style American eagle and shield, all hand engraved in the most elegant style. The eagle is surmounted by a fleur-de-lis and scroll up to the pommel. The quillon is most unusual being a fierce panther head with teeth bared. The pommel is of bird’s head style with a backstrap. Atop the pommel is a deeply cast Medusa head in high relief. Down the backstrap are engraved oak leaf fronds and acorns. The grip is of sterling silver with wide silver band wrap. The scabbard and mounts are also entirely silver plated. The throat has applied to the reverse and very small ribband and cartouche reading: “Tiffany & Co. / quality ___ 1000”. Immediately below is an Old English “M” in an oval cartouche. The top and middle mounts are cast high relief oak leaf clusters with ribbon knots near the rings. The drag is engraved with oak leaves and acorns terminating in a stylized scallop shell pattern. Between the top and middle mounts is inscribed: Presented in behalf of / Co. “G” 14th Regt. N.Y.V.A. / to / Capt. W.A. Treadwell / “Vera amicitia est sempiterua”. Captain Treadwell enlisted as a Captain of the 164th Infantry Sept. 13, 1862. He joined the 14th NYHA as Captain of Company G in September 1863. He was discharged on December 14, 1864. Organized in Rochester during August and September 1864, the 14th NYHA saw service in the Rapidan Campaign, Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Pamunkey, Totopotomy Rivers, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, Siege of Petersburg, Mine Explosion, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Springs Church, Hatcher’s Run, Fort Stedman, Appomattox Campaign, Assault on and fall of Petersburg, and the Occupation of Petersburg. After which the 14th moved to Washington, D.C. and ended their duty there until the Grand Review on May 23. The unit was mustered out August 26, 1865. During their term of service the Regiment lost 6 officers and 220 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 officers and 299 enlisted men by disease. An incredibly spectacular Tiffany presentation sword of the Civil War period! CONDITION: Excellent. Sword retains most of its original quality and is spectacular in appearance. Blade shows areas of peppery pitting, mostly near the edge, now cleaned bright. Full basket guard is slightly bent and the scabbard has one crease just above the drag. 4-51048 CW9 (10,000-15,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 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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