SPECTACULAR GOLD AND SILVER MEXICAN WAR AMES PRESENTATION SWORD TO CAPTAIN LEWIS MORRIS, KILLED IN ACTION AT BATTLE OF MONTEREY.

SPECTACULAR GOLD AND SILVER MEXICAN WAR AMES PRESENTATION SWORD TO CAPTAIN LEWIS MORRIS, KILLED IN ACTION AT BATTLE OF MONTEREY. This high grade Ames presentation is described by John Thillmann “This sword … has a sterling silver scabbard and hilt. Scabbard body is plated in gold as is the Phrygian helmet pommel surmounted by an eagle and foliated guard. In addition, the Mother of Pearl grip is inlaid with engraved gold strips lengthwise. Of note, is that the drag is in a unique form. It, too, is silver and gilt but exhibits a rarely seen elaborately cast drag crescent that almost flows into the scabbard body because of the fine engraving.” The gold presentation plaque, which measures over 3″, is finely engraved “Presented to Capt. Lewis N. Morris of the United States Army by his fellow citizens of Albany as a token of respect for his Bravery and Gallantry while in command of the 3rd Regiment U.S. Infantry in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca De La Palma on the 8th and 9th of May 1846 and on the banks of the Rio Grande.” This scabbard is so richly engraved with floral and patriotic mounts that few examples show workmanship of same quality survive. There is a gold applied five pointed star in drag and engraved on central gold band in grip. These stars were possibly a reference to Texas as the presentation ends “on the banks of the Rio Grande”. This sword was ordered from Ames in June 1846 at a cost of $150. This was only the second sword shown in the Ames order book for Mexican War presentation, just after the sword of General Zachary Taylor which was ordered the same month. Captain Lewis Morris graduated from West Point in 1820 and was one of 11 West Point officers killed the same day, September 21, 1846, in the bloody battle at Monterey, Mexico lead by General Zachary Taylor. Lewis Morris was from a long line of military and political heroes. His father had signed the Declaration of Independence and his son would go on to be a Civil War hero to be killed at the battle of Cold Harbor in June 1864. This sword is in fabulous “as found” condition and of highest quality and artistry of the sword maker. PROVENANCE: Pictured in John Tillmann “Civil War Army Swords” page 467 and 468, also pictured in Kevin Hoffmann “Swords of Honor and Regulation”, Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Sword is in very good to fine condition. 31-1/2″ double edged blade is bright/white, retaining most of its orig luster and finish with scattered areas of staining. 15″ etched panels retain most of their luster, as can be seen in photos. The silver hilt and scabbard retain much of their orig gold wash though thinning in areas. Engraved gold bands and gold plaque are fine with good detail. Mother of Pearl slabs in grip are fine and complete. 4-46905 JS70 (40,000-60,000)

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
	2003	$31,000.00	SPECTACULAR GOLD AND SILVER MEXICAN WAR AMES PRESENTATION SWORD TO CAPTAIN LEWIS MORRIS, KILLED IN ACTION AT BATTLE OF MONTEREY. This high grade Ames presentation is described by John Thillmann “This sword … has a sterling silver scabbard and hilt. Scabbard body is plated in gold as is the Phrygian helmet pommel surmounted by an eagle and foliated guard. In addition, the Mother of Pearl grip is inlaid with engraved gold strips lengthwise. Of note, is that the drag is in a unique form. It, too, is silver and gilt but exhibits a rarely seen elaborately cast drag crescent that almost flows into the scabbard body because of the fine engraving.” The gold presentation plaque, which measures over 3″, is finely engraved “Presented to Capt. Lewis N. Morris of the United States Army by his fellow citizens of Albany as a token of respect for his Bravery and Gallantry while in command of the 3rd Regiment U.S. Infantry in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca De La Palma on the 8th and 9th of May 1846 and on the banks of the Rio Grande.” This scabbard is so richly engraved with floral and patriotic mounts that few examples show workmanship of same quality survive. There is a gold applied five pointed star in drag and engraved on central gold band in grip. These stars were possibly a reference to Texas as the presentation ends “on the banks of the Rio Grande”. This sword was ordered from Ames in June 1846 at a cost of $150. This was only the second sword shown in the Ames order book for Mexican War presentation, just after the sword of General Zachary Taylor which was ordered the same month. Captain Lewis Morris graduated from West Point in 1820 and was one of 11 West Point officers killed the same day, September 21, 1846, in the bloody battle at Monterey, Mexico lead by General Zachary Taylor. Lewis Morris was from a long line of military and political heroes. His father had signed the Declaration of Independence and his son would go on to be a Civil War hero to be killed at the battle of Cold Harbor in June 1864. This sword is in fabulous “as found” condition and of highest quality and artistry of the sword maker. PROVENANCE: Pictured in John Tillmann “Civil War Army Swords” page 467 and 468, also pictured in Kevin Hoffmann “Swords of Honor and Regulation”, Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Sword is in very good to fine condition. 31-1/2″ double edged blade is bright/white, retaining most of its orig luster and finish with scattered areas of staining. 15″ etched panels retain most of their luster, as can be seen in photos. The silver hilt and scabbard retain much of their orig gold wash though thinning in areas. Engraved gold bands and gold plaque are fine with good detail. Mother of Pearl slabs in grip are fine and complete. 4-46905 JS70 (40,000-60,000) 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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