MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION SWORD.

SOLD TO BENEFIT THE ACQUISITION FUND OF THE FINE ARTS MUSEUMS OF SAN FRANCISCO. LOTS 3 TO 12.
MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION SWORD.
[NICHOLS, WILLIAM A. 1818-1869.] Springfield, MA, N.P. Ames Manufacturing Company, 1847. In silvered brass and steel, with opal cabochon mounted on the pommel, etched decorations and engraved presentations on scabbard and blade, including floriate scrolls, a panoply of arms on the grip, eagle with a Phrygian cap on a staff on the throat of the scabbard, and trophies of arms. The presentation on the scabbard reads: "Presented to Lieut. William A. Nichols, 2d. Artillery U.S. Army, as a testament of respect and esteem of the Citizens of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, for his Gallant Services on the 21st, 22d, 23d of Sept. 1846 at the Seige [sic] of Monterey." On one side of the blade is an etched panel that reads: "To Lt W.A. Nicholls U.S.A. for his services at Monterey," and on the other "From the Citizens of Pottsville Pennsylvania." 840 mm in length. Wear and tarnishing to silver plating, cabochon probably remounted, one small spot of rust on blade edge near tip, red painted acquisition numbers on scabbard throat and sword hilt.
Provenance: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Col. William A. Nichols bequest.

William Augustus Nichols was born in Philadelphia, attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of the 2nd Artillery in 1844. He was given a brevet promotion to Captain for the Battle of Monterey, then served as Adjutant-General to Brigadier General John Garland in battles from Vera Cruz to the capture of Mexico City. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was stationed in Texas, where he was made a prisoner by the Confederates, but later paroled and returned to Washington. For his loyalty, he was breveted to Major General by the end of the war, though holding the actual rank of Colonel. He continued his military career as Chief of Staff to Generals Sherman and Sheridan after the war, dying while still in service at the age of 51.