1869 U.S. Steel Presentation Sword for Lt. Babcock

North America, United States, ca. late 19th century CE. A wonderful presentation sword meant as a gift to Lt. John B. Babcock from his men. The forged-steel, single-edged blade has a lengthy fuller with a secondary full beneath the spine, features the manufacturer's logo of "W Clauberg Solingen" on one side of the shoulder, and has "US" engraved on one side and "E Pluribus Unum" with an eagle on the other. The gilt-copper corded embellishments ring around the handle beneath a stylized human maskette, and the cupped guard has another bald eagle on the exterior. The silvered nickel-copper sheath is adorned with two strap loops and is etched on one side with the statement, "presented to 1st Lt. 5 US Cav. John B. Babcock for gallantry against hostile Indians 16 May 1869 Arizona by his men." Size (w/ sheath): 3.8" W x 41.25" H (9.7 cm x 104.8 cm); (blade): 34.4" L (87.4 cm)

This sword was given to an officer, Lt. John B. Babcock, by his men well before he received the medal of honor for a one day stand against overwhelming forces of Sioux and Cheyenne in 1869 in Nebraska. Babcock went from an enlisted man to a high-ranking officer, all battlefield promoted during the Civil War, spending four solid years in the conflict. He then fought for the 5th cav. on the plains against Kiowa and Arapaho, and Cheyenne in Colorado, then onto Nebraska where he won the Medal of Honor. In the 70's the man fought Apaches with Crook in Arizona and was noted more than once for bravery, leading Apache scouts in skirmishes against hostile Apache. He is mentioned in an historical magazine for participating in the "severed head campaign" that put an end to a number of Apache ringleaders. He retired after the Spanish American War with the rank of general. His family has been fighting for their country since the American Revolution.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection; ex-private J.B. Jordan collection, Prescott, Arizona, USA, acquired in 2019

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#154073
Condition Report: Very slight bending to overall form of blade, with minor abrasions to handle, guard, sheath, and blade, light fading to luster of some gilt copper, and minor softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful patina throughout. Blade edge is still quite sharp.