RARE AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT CASED STATE OF NEW JERSEY MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION SWORD FOR GALLANTRY-LT. HAMILTON, 2ND REGIMENT U.S. DRAGOONS.

RARE AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT CASED STATE OF NEW JERSEY MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION SWORD FOR GALLANTRY-LT. HAMILTON, 2ND REGIMENT U.S. DRAGOONS. A rare opportunity to purchase a cased State of New Jersey Mexican War period presentation sword inscribed to one its heroes, Lieutenant Fowler Hamilton, for gallantry in action. A significant original newspaper article is included from the New York True Sun details the events surround the presentation of this sword by the New Jersey legislature. The sword is unmarked (the accompanying newspaper article states that the swords were made by “Wilson’s of Trenton), but undoubtedly made by a very high quality swordsmith. The straight, double edged blade with central fuller measures 31” and is covered in patriotic etching over 90% of its length. The etching includes an American eagle, crossed cannon, stands of arms and rococo scrolls. Both sides are identical. The cross guard is fashioned as two, heart shaped leaf clusters, open in the center. The obverse, shield shaped languet is gold washed with an applied state seal of New Jersey in the center. The reverse languet carries the engraved motto: “Militi De Republica Bene Merente Nova Caesarea Honores Decer Nit” The grip is of sterling silver, sexagonal in cross section with engraved panels. The grip panels are decorated with heavy scrollwork, flowers, baroque decoration and one American shield. The pommel is a closed, crested, knight’s helmet with a heavy triple heavy chain attached to the cross guard. The scabbard is gold washed and highly decorated. The top mount incorporates two carrying rings each clutched in a closed hand. The middle mount has a single ring in clutched hand. The drag, with traces of silver plating, is cast with scrollwork. A broad rectangular panel contains the inscription, which reads: “Presented by the State of New Jersey to Lieut. Fowler Hamilton / of the 2nd U.S. Dragoons, for gallant conduct displayed in the / battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma and Monterey. / Subsequently distinguished at Vera Cruz and at the Bridge of Madeline”. The remainder of the scabbard’s obverse is heavily decorated with engraved scrolls and a scallop shell. The presentation case is of walnut with Rosewood veneer and measures 40.5” X 6” X 3”. A fancy brass escutcheon is inlaid on the top. The corners are bound in brass. The interior is lined in dark blue velvet and fitted in French style. Lieutenant Fowler Hamilton graduated from the USMA at West Point in 1836. He was appointed 2nd Lt. in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons on July 1, 1840. On august 31, 1843 he was promoted to 1st Lt. Following the War with Mexico, Hamilton was appointed Major of the 10th U.S. Infantry in 1847, Lt. Colonel of the 16th U.S. Infantry May 1848. Hamilton was honorably discharged on August 5, 1848 and reverted to his rank of Captain, 2nd U.S. Dragoons through July 25, 1850. He died August 8, 1851 on the San Saba River in Texas while in pursuit of a band of Indians.

A newspaper article dated March 8, 1849 accompanies, which details the presentation of this sword to Fowler Hamilton as well as those presented to Capt. William R. Montgomery, Lt. N. Beakes Rossel and Samuel G. French. The ceremonial presentation was made in the Assembly Room of the State Capitol in Trenton. The legislature authorized the purchase of these presentation swords (presumably identical) at a cost of $175.00 each. General Samuel R. Hamilton (presumably a relative) of the New Jersey Militia accepted Fowler Hamilton’s presentation sword in his absence, making a long acceptance speech on his behalf. Governor Haines lauded Hamilton’s service by saying: “Of Lieut. Hamilton, it is but just to add, that during the engagement at Palo Alto his squadron was prompt to repel an attack of the lancers on our left; and that on being dispatched with a message to Gen. Taylor, he rode in pursuit of him along the almost entire line of the army, under the fire of the enemy, with all the coolness of an officer on review. At Matamoras, he led the advanced guard, and with great credit discharged the duties, endured the fatigues, and encountered the perils of that important service, pursuing the enemy for many miles; capturing some of his rear guard and munitions of war. At Monterey, in taking the reconnaissance of the town, his corps was much exposed, being often under the guns, and the especial object of the enemy’s fire.”

CONDITION: Very good. Sword is quite nice. Etching on the blade is light with minor staining here and there. Hilt is very good with some wear to silver and gold plating. Scabbard is undented, sharp with minor wear to the gold wash in one area. Presentation case has losses to the veneer top and wear to the edges of the French fitting for the sword. Brass lock escutcheon is missing. 4-50266 CW11 (17,500-27,500)

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
	616	$40,250.00	RARE AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT CASED STATE OF NEW JERSEY MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION SWORD FOR GALLANTRY-LT. HAMILTON, 2ND REGIMENT U.S. DRAGOONS. A rare opportunity to purchase a cased State of New Jersey Mexican War period presentation sword inscribed to one its heroes, Lieutenant Fowler Hamilton, for gallantry in action. A significant original newspaper article is included from the New York True Sun details the events surround the presentation of this sword by the New Jersey legislature. The sword is unmarked (the accompanying newspaper article states that the swords were made by “Wilson’s of Trenton), but undoubtedly made by a very high quality swordsmith. The straight, double edged blade with central fuller measures 31” and is covered in patriotic etching over 90% of its length. The etching includes an American eagle, crossed cannon, stands of arms and rococo scrolls. Both sides are identical. The cross guard is fashioned as two, heart shaped leaf clusters, open in the center. The obverse, shield shaped languet is gold washed with an applied state seal of New Jersey in the center. The reverse languet carries the engraved motto: “Militi De Republica Bene Merente Nova Caesarea Honores Decer Nit” The grip is of sterling silver, sexagonal in cross section with engraved panels. The grip panels are decorated with heavy scrollwork, flowers, baroque decoration and one American shield. The pommel is a closed, crested, knight’s helmet with a heavy triple heavy chain attached to the cross guard. The scabbard is gold washed and highly decorated. The top mount incorporates two carrying rings each clutched in a closed hand. The middle mount has a single ring in clutched hand. The drag, with traces of silver plating, is cast with scrollwork. A broad rectangular panel contains the inscription, which reads: “Presented by the State of New Jersey to Lieut. Fowler Hamilton / of the 2nd U.S. Dragoons, for gallant conduct displayed in the / battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma and Monterey. / Subsequently distinguished at Vera Cruz and at the Bridge of Madeline”. The remainder of the scabbard’s obverse is heavily decorated with engraved scrolls and a scallop shell. The presentation case is of walnut with Rosewood veneer and measures 40.5” X 6” X 3”. A fancy brass escutcheon is inlaid on the top. The corners are bound in brass. The interior is lined in dark blue velvet and fitted in French style. Lieutenant Fowler Hamilton graduated from the USMA at West Point in 1836. He was appointed 2nd Lt. in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons on July 1, 1840. On august 31, 1843 he was promoted to 1st Lt. Following the War with Mexico, Hamilton was appointed Major of the 10th U.S. Infantry in 1847, Lt. Colonel of the 16th U.S. Infantry May 1848. Hamilton was honorably discharged on August 5, 1848 and reverted to his rank of Captain, 2nd U.S. Dragoons through July 25, 1850. He died August 8, 1851 on the San Saba River in Texas while in pursuit of a band of Indians. A newspaper article dated March 8, 1849 accompanies, which details the presentation of this sword to Fowler Hamilton as well as those presented to Capt. William R. Montgomery, Lt. N. Beakes Rossel and Samuel G. French. The ceremonial presentation was made in the Assembly Room of the State Capitol in Trenton. The legislature authorized the purchase of these presentation swords (presumably identical) at a cost of $175.00 each. General Samuel R. Hamilton (presumably a relative) of the New Jersey Militia accepted Fowler Hamilton’s presentation sword in his absence, making a long acceptance speech on his behalf. Governor Haines lauded Hamilton’s service by saying: “Of Lieut. Hamilton, it is but just to add, that during the engagement at Palo Alto his squadron was prompt to repel an attack of the lancers on our left; and that on being dispatched with a message to Gen. Taylor, he rode in pursuit of him along the almost entire line of the army, under the fire of the enemy, with all the coolness of an officer on review. At Matamoras, he led the advanced guard, and with great credit discharged the duties, endured the fatigues, and encountered the perils of that important service, pursuing the enemy for many miles; capturing some of his rear guard and munitions of war. At Monterey, in taking the reconnaissance of the town, his corps was much exposed, being often under the guns, and the especial object of the enemy’s fire.” CONDITION: Very good. Sword is quite nice. Etching on the blade is light with minor staining here and there. Hilt is very good with some wear to silver and gold plating. Scabbard is undented, sharp with minor wear to the gold wash in one area. Presentation case has losses to the veneer top and wear to the edges of the French fitting for the sword. Brass lock escutcheon is missing. 4-50266 CW11 (17,500-27,500) 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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