US Model 1840 Medical Staff Sword Engraved to Assistant Surgeon Benjamin Taft - 20th Mass Infantry

American Civil War

30" narrow, unfullered, straight spear-point blade, 35" in overall length. 5" gilt cast brass hilt with MS on the face of the obverse langet, and a large droop-winged eagle on the bulbous part of the grip near the pommel on both sides. 4" cross guard with feathery and foliate themes with the quillons curled to the rear at the ends. Blade etched with flowing foliate designs with patriotic and martial themes, but no medical or US Medical Service devices. There are no apparent maker's marks but the style of etching suggests it is by Klingenthal with the markings concealed by the langets. The sword is accompanied by its gilt brass scabbard with chiseled mounts and is engraved on the obverse between the upper and middle mounts: B.F. Taft/Ast. Surgeon 20th Mass. Vols./Fredericksburg. The sword is accompanied by a large binder of research and information about Taft. The sword was purchased from Andrew Mowbray in 1981.

Benjamin Taft was a doctor from Blackstone, MA who was appointed the Assistant Surgeon of the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry on August 22, 1862. Known as the "Harvard Regiment" the 20th saw its first action at Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861. Prior to Taft's appointment the regiment had seen service during the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days before Richmond, culminating with the fight at Malvern Hill. After Taft joined the regiment they participated in the Maryland Campaign, including South Mountain (in reserve) and Antietam. They were heavily engaged during the Battle of Fredericksburg, taking casualties as one of the regiments that crossed the river in boats and participated in the house to house fighting in the town. During the assault on Mayre's Heights the took more casualties with the total for the battle around 200. It is likely this heavy butcher's bill to which the inscription on the sword refers. In January of 1863 Taft was transferred to the 19th Mass Infantry to replace their assistant surgeon who had been promoted to surgeon. However, in March of 1863 he resigned citing health issues that developed as a result of being on campaign. He died due to these health issues in December of 1864.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Ex-Andrew Mowbray