HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT CIVIL WAR COMMISSIONS AND CASED U.S. MODEL 1860 STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD PRESENTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL RUFUS INGALLS, QUARTERMASTER, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT CIVIL WAR COMMISSIONS AND CASED U.S. MODEL 1860 STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD PRESENTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL RUFUS INGALLS, QUARTERMASTER, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. One of the most historic and important Union general’s swords to be offered for public sale. Accompanied by his Presidential commissions, this grouping is simply outstanding! Rufus Ingalls was one of the most important figures in American Civil War history. His service spanned a 40 year career beginning with the Mexican War and ending just prior to the Spanish-American conflict, he was one of the most respected and successful officers in the history of the United States Army. This cased sword was presented to him by the officers of his command in the Quartermaster’s Department in 1864.

The sword is a fancy, presentation grade U.S. Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s sword. The 29-1/4” long straight, dbl-edged blade is decorated with etched panels covering approximately 45% of the blade’s surface. The etching is simple having a “U.S.” and shield on one face and a spread American eagle on the other surrounded by light floral work and one small stand of trophies on either side. “Baker & McKenny, New York” is etched near the ricasso on one side. The etching has a gilt and frosted background presenting a very attractive appearance. The hilt is of regulation style cast in high relief and gold plated. Decoration on the dbl clam shell guard, the knucklebow and pommel are according to regulation. The grip is cast in silver with spirals of oak and laurel leaves. The scabbard is of polished steel with fancy cast brass, gold plated openwork mounts. On the reverse of the scabbard, above the top mount is simply engraved “Rufus Ingalls.”

A second scabbard is present of darkened steel, made with identical fancy openwork cast brass and gilt mounts. This one is also inscribed and is, presumably, the “field” scabbard for the presentation sword.

A walnut presentation case accompanies the sword measuring 40” x 8” x 3-1/4” with a brass shield shaped plaque inset into the top reading: “BRIGADIER GENERAL/Rufus Ingalls/From the Officers/of His Command/Quartermaster Department/Army of The Potomac/March 1864.” The case has one key lock and two brass latches at each end. The interior of the case is lined in red velvet and fitted in French style for the sword and scabbard. The velvet in the top of the case is stamped “Baker & McKenny/New York” in silver.

Accompanying the wonderful cased sword is three of Rufus Ingalls’ Presidential commissions. All are full sized, partially printed vellum documents as follows. The first is Ingalls’ appointment as Captain, Assistant Quartermaster dated January 18, 1848 and signed by President James Polk. The second is for the rank of Brevet Major General of Volunteers dated July 27, 1866 and the third is for the rank of Colonel, Assistant Quartermaster General, dated March 5, 1867, both signed by President Andrew Johnson.

Rufus Ingalls was born in Denmark, Maine on august 23, 1818. He graduated form West Point in 1843 and shortly thereafter went off to the Mexican War where he won a brevet of First Lieutenant. Toward the end of the Mexican conflict he entered into the Quartermaster Corps serving after the war in a number of outposts in western territories and back in Washington, D.C. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Ingalls was appointed Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac and served with credit under McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, and Meade. Appointed Major of Volunteers in 1862, he was promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers in May 1863, (again in 1866) and brevetted Major General in 1864. In 1864, General of the Army, U.S. Grant appointed Ingalls, Chief Quartermaster for the United States Army operating against Richmond. Following the War, Ingalls remained in Army service and was appointed Assistant Quartermaster General with the rank of Colonel in 1867. He served in the west, in New York and on February 23, 1882 was appointed Quartermaster Gen eral of the Army with the regular army rank of Brigadier General. Slightly more than a year later he retired with 40 years of service to his home in New York City.

CONDITION: The sword is excellent having over 90% of its original gold plating. The blade is bright and the etching shows little or no wear. The hilt and grip are fine and tight. The steel scabbard, once cleaned now shows evidence of light surface pitting giving it a gray appearance overall.

The top of the walnut case has been cleaned and the wood patina removed. Sides and ends all display a dark, old varnished finish. The interior of the case is good, the bottom being discolored, somewhat faded and stained a bit. The felt from the bottom of the case is lost. One hinge is detached and the wood slightly cracked surrounding the detached hinge. The original key and two hinge screws accompany.

A magnificent cased Civil War general’s presentation sword fully identified to one of America’s great soldiers and heroes. Makes a spectacular presentation. 4-53203 CW4 (20,000-30,000)

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
	1126	$0.00	HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT CIVIL WAR COMMISSIONS AND CASED U.S. MODEL 1860 STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD PRESENTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL RUFUS INGALLS, QUARTERMASTER, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. One of the most historic and important Union general’s swords to be offered for public sale. Accompanied by his Presidential commissions, this grouping is simply outstanding! Rufus Ingalls was one of the most important figures in American Civil War history. His service spanned a 40 year career beginning with the Mexican War and ending just prior to the Spanish-American conflict, he was one of the most respected and successful officers in the history of the United States Army. This cased sword was presented to him by the officers of his command in the Quartermaster’s Department in 1864. The sword is a fancy, presentation grade U.S. Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s sword. The 29-1/4” long straight, dbl-edged blade is decorated with etched panels covering approximately 45% of the blade’s surface. The etching is simple having a “U.S.” and shield on one face and a spread American eagle on the other surrounded by light floral work and one small stand of trophies on either side. “Baker & McKenny, New York” is etched near the ricasso on one side. The etching has a gilt and frosted background presenting a very attractive appearance. The hilt is of regulation style cast in high relief and gold plated. Decoration on the dbl clam shell guard, the knucklebow and pommel are according to regulation. The grip is cast in silver with spirals of oak and laurel leaves. The scabbard is of polished steel with fancy cast brass, gold plated openwork mounts. On the reverse of the scabbard, above the top mount is simply engraved “Rufus Ingalls.” A second scabbard is present of darkened steel, made with identical fancy openwork cast brass and gilt mounts. This one is also inscribed and is, presumably, the “field” scabbard for the presentation sword. A walnut presentation case accompanies the sword measuring 40” x 8” x 3-1/4” with a brass shield shaped plaque inset into the top reading: “BRIGADIER GENERAL/Rufus Ingalls/From the Officers/of His Command/Quartermaster Department/Army of The Potomac/March 1864.” The case has one key lock and two brass latches at each end. The interior of the case is lined in red velvet and fitted in French style for the sword and scabbard. The velvet in the top of the case is stamped “Baker & McKenny/New York” in silver. Accompanying the wonderful cased sword is three of Rufus Ingalls’ Presidential commissions. All are full sized, partially printed vellum documents as follows. The first is Ingalls’ appointment as Captain, Assistant Quartermaster dated January 18, 1848 and signed by President James Polk. The second is for the rank of Brevet Major General of Volunteers dated July 27, 1866 and the third is for the rank of Colonel, Assistant Quartermaster General, dated March 5, 1867, both signed by President Andrew Johnson. Rufus Ingalls was born in Denmark, Maine on august 23, 1818. He graduated form West Point in 1843 and shortly thereafter went off to the Mexican War where he won a brevet of First Lieutenant. Toward the end of the Mexican conflict he entered into the Quartermaster Corps serving after the war in a number of outposts in western territories and back in Washington, D.C. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Ingalls was appointed Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac and served with credit under McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, and Meade. Appointed Major of Volunteers in 1862, he was promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers in May 1863, (again in 1866) and brevetted Major General in 1864. In 1864, General of the Army, U.S. Grant appointed Ingalls, Chief Quartermaster for the United States Army operating against Richmond. Following the War, Ingalls remained in Army service and was appointed Assistant Quartermaster General with the rank of Colonel in 1867. He served in the west, in New York and on February 23, 1882 was appointed Quartermaster Gen eral of the Army with the regular army rank of Brigadier General. Slightly more than a year later he retired with 40 years of service to his home in New York City. CONDITION: The sword is excellent having over 90% of its original gold plating. The blade is bright and the etching shows little or no wear. The hilt and grip are fine and tight. The steel scabbard, once cleaned now shows evidence of light surface pitting giving it a gray appearance overall. The top of the walnut case has been cleaned and the wood patina removed. Sides and ends all display a dark, old varnished finish. The interior of the case is good, the bottom being discolored, somewhat faded and stained a bit. The felt from the bottom of the case is lost. One hinge is detached and the wood slightly cracked surrounding the detached hinge. The original key and two hinge screws accompany. A magnificent cased Civil War general’s presentation sword fully identified to one of America’s great soldiers and heroes. Makes a spectacular presentation. 4-53203 CW4 (20,000-30,000) 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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