EXHIBITION PRESENTATION GRADE NAVAL SWORD BY BALL, BLACK & CO., NEW YORK.

EXHIBITION PRESENTATION GRADE NAVAL SWORD BY BALL, BLACK & CO., NEW YORK. This is among the highest grade and most ornate of American Civil War presentation swords. The hilt contains many elements of naval service. The hilt contains raised relief acorns and oak leaves in knucklebow and hilt which which ends into a “gilled horse head” (sea horse) as quillon. Opposite end of knucklebow terminates with oak branches in the mouth of a coiled sea serpent and Neptune’s head adorns the face of the pommel. Above Neptune is a circle of emerald-colored stones with a massive silver American eagle biting the head of a snake which is coiled around a fasces on an American patriotic shield. The grip is textured spiral silver with twisted copper wire. The brass scabbard has relief mounts with panels of floral and geometric engraving and two three-dimensional silver military decorations one being a small statue of a Zouave soldier standing at attention with his musket and back pack. The middle design is panoply design consisting of swords, bayonet, canteen, Zouave fez, knapsack, infantry bugle, and muskets. The gold highlighted import blade contains many patriotic elements including soldiers, cannon, various panoply of arms, a stylized U.S., Massachusetts state seal and motto, and an eagle sitting atop a shield with a ribbon which reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “PERSEVERE”. This magnificent sword quite possibly sat in a window display in Black’s showroom showing some example of details that were available. There is an identical sword shown in Harold Peterson, The American Sword p. 201 being presentation for capture of Mason & Slidel at time of Trent Affair, given by “City of Boston.” PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Sword overall is in fine condition. 32″ blade is bright retaining most of its original luster and gold highlights with small scattered areas of staining and pitting. Brass components show good bronze patina with 20% to 30% of original gold wash remaining. Some plating appears to be two-toned as leaves in bottom of guard retain a reddish color gold where others more yellow. Silver pommel, grip, and scabbard features have gray silver patina and appear complete and intact including the very small protruding details such as wing tips, ends of guns and swords. 4-46907 JS (30,000-40,000)

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
	2015	$28,750.00	EXHIBITION PRESENTATION GRADE NAVAL SWORD BY BALL, BLACK & CO., NEW YORK. This is among the highest grade and most ornate of American Civil War presentation swords. The hilt contains many elements of naval service. The hilt contains raised relief acorns and oak leaves in knucklebow and hilt which which ends into a “gilled horse head” (sea horse) as quillon. Opposite end of knucklebow terminates with oak branches in the mouth of a coiled sea serpent and Neptune’s head adorns the face of the pommel. Above Neptune is a circle of emerald-colored stones with a massive silver American eagle biting the head of a snake which is coiled around a fasces on an American patriotic shield. The grip is textured spiral silver with twisted copper wire. The brass scabbard has relief mounts with panels of floral and geometric engraving and two three-dimensional silver military decorations one being a small statue of a Zouave soldier standing at attention with his musket and back pack. The middle design is panoply design consisting of swords, bayonet, canteen, Zouave fez, knapsack, infantry bugle, and muskets. The gold highlighted import blade contains many patriotic elements including soldiers, cannon, various panoply of arms, a stylized U.S., Massachusetts state seal and motto, and an eagle sitting atop a shield with a ribbon which reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “PERSEVERE”. This magnificent sword quite possibly sat in a window display in Black’s showroom showing some example of details that were available. There is an identical sword shown in Harold Peterson, The American Sword p. 201 being presentation for capture of Mason & Slidel at time of Trent Affair, given by “City of Boston.” PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Sword overall is in fine condition. 32″ blade is bright retaining most of its original luster and gold highlights with small scattered areas of staining and pitting. Brass components show good bronze patina with 20% to 30% of original gold wash remaining. Some plating appears to be two-toned as leaves in bottom of guard retain a reddish color gold where others more yellow. Silver pommel, grip, and scabbard features have gray silver patina and appear complete and intact including the very small protruding details such as wing tips, ends of guns and swords. 4-46907 JS (30,000-40,000) 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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