PDL British 1821 Pattern Sword Inscribed to Capt. Frank Chamberlain - 125th New York Volunteers - WIA at Gettysburg

American Civil War

31.25" slightly curved single-edged spear point quill back blade with rounded spine. 37" in overall length. 5.5" hilt with brass two branch guard with knuckle bow, full backstrap and ball finial pommel cap. Grooved wooden palm swell grip covered in shagreen with twelve wraps of multi-strand wire. Plain blade marked on the obverse in a ribbon P.D. Lunescholoss/Waffenfabrikant and in Solingen in a ribbon on the reverse. The sword is accompanied by its moderately oxidized steel scabbard with brass mounts is engraved between the throat and upper mount: Captain/F. Chamberlin 125 Regt./N.Y.V. A large bind of research and information about Chamberlain is included with the sword.

Frank Chamberlain was 20 years old from Troy, NY when he enlisted in the 125th New York Infantry on August 18, 1862. He was commissioned as a 1st lieutenant in Company F on September 10 and was captured with the regiment at Harpers Ferry on September 15 in the immediate prelude to the Battle of Antietam. He was paroled the following day. The regiment was sent to Camp Douglas in Chicago under parole until officially exchanged in late November of 1862. On December 11, 1862 Chamberlain was promoted to Captain and transferred to the command of Company C. The regiment returned to Virginia and saw their first major combat at Gettysburg, followed by Bristoe Station that fall. On July 3rd at Gettysburg Chamberlain received a gunshot wound in his right arm. 1864 brought Grant's Overland Campaign with the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. Chamberlain was discharged on June 19, 1864 as the Siege of Petersburg was commencing. After the war Chamberlain worked primarily as a carriage builder.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

This lot is located in Cincinnati.