HIGH GRADE MEXICAN WAR “CITY OF PHILADELPHIA” PRESENTATION SWORD TO BREVET CAPT. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HARLEY, 11TH US INFANTRY.

HIGH GRADE MEXICAN WAR “CITY OF PHILADELPHIA” PRESENTATION SWORD TO BREVET CAPT. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HARLEY, 11TH US INFANTRY. This early high grade W.H. Horstmann presentation sword has oct sheet silver grip with military decorations on each panel. Pommel is a florally decorated urn terminating in large amethyst colored stone. The large cruciform “bow tie” shaped crossguard has four American eagles at terminal ends on both sides. The languet has a state seal of the city of Philadelphia in raised relief opposite of presentation in opposite languet which reads “Brevet Captn Benjn Franklin Harley of the 11th Infantry USA”. The scabbard has a 5-1/2″ panel with presentation in six lines which reads “Presented to Brevet Capt. Benjamin Franklin Harley of Philadelphia by his fellow citizens, for the promptness shown by him in the offer of his services to his country and for his gallant conduct in the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, and particularly at Molino del Rey at the capture of Chepultepec, the Garita San Cosme, and the final capture of the city of Mexico. Philadelphia Octr. 26th 1848”. This presentation is enclosed in beautiful “engraved frame” consisting of grapes, grape vine and leaves. Lower on scabbard is a 10″ engraved panel of more grapes and grape leaves surmounted by an American eagle on a patriotic shield below 13 stars. Scabbard mounts have raised relief decorations with laurel and star decorations as can be seen in photos. The blade of the drag is most unusual with the union of two sea serpents mouth to mouth which form a stylized smiling face when looked at from a distance. This is a wonderful historic sword in unique form among the earliest W. H. Horstman presentation swords known in the highest grade. PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Brass scabbard, hilt and pommel retain 95% of there orig gold wash. Silver engraved grip and silver city of Philadelphia plaque exhibit good silver patina. Silver plaque is a bit loose at top but complete and sound. 33″ blade is gray/white with some areas of orig finish. 16″ etched panels are complete and discernible with scattered staining and pitting. 4-46906 JS95 (35,000-55,000)

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
	2002	$0.00	HIGH GRADE MEXICAN WAR “CITY OF PHILADELPHIA” PRESENTATION SWORD TO BREVET CAPT. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HARLEY, 11TH US INFANTRY. This early high grade W.H. Horstmann presentation sword has oct sheet silver grip with military decorations on each panel. Pommel is a florally decorated urn terminating in large amethyst colored stone. The large cruciform “bow tie” shaped crossguard has four American eagles at terminal ends on both sides. The languet has a state seal of the city of Philadelphia in raised relief opposite of presentation in opposite languet which reads “Brevet Captn Benjn Franklin Harley of the 11th Infantry USA”. The scabbard has a 5-1/2″ panel with presentation in six lines which reads “Presented to Brevet Capt. Benjamin Franklin Harley of Philadelphia by his fellow citizens, for the promptness shown by him in the offer of his services to his country and for his gallant conduct in the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, and particularly at Molino del Rey at the capture of Chepultepec, the Garita San Cosme, and the final capture of the city of Mexico. Philadelphia Octr. 26th 1848”. This presentation is enclosed in beautiful “engraved frame” consisting of grapes, grape vine and leaves. Lower on scabbard is a 10″ engraved panel of more grapes and grape leaves surmounted by an American eagle on a patriotic shield below 13 stars. Scabbard mounts have raised relief decorations with laurel and star decorations as can be seen in photos. The blade of the drag is most unusual with the union of two sea serpents mouth to mouth which form a stylized smiling face when looked at from a distance. This is a wonderful historic sword in unique form among the earliest W. H. Horstman presentation swords known in the highest grade. PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Brass scabbard, hilt and pommel retain 95% of there orig gold wash. Silver engraved grip and silver city of Philadelphia plaque exhibit good silver patina. Silver plaque is a bit loose at top but complete and sound. 33″ blade is gray/white with some areas of orig finish. 16″ etched panels are complete and discernible with scattered staining and pitting. 4-46906 JS95 (35,000-55,000) 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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