G.W. Simons & Bro. Retailed Collins Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword Presented to Capt. Joseph Vaughan - 106th PA Volunteers

American Civil War

31.5" slightly curved single-edged spear point blade, with 20.75" stopped median fuller, 1" wide at ricasso. Overall length 37.25" wtih a 5.75" hilt with cast gilt brass guard with traditional pierced floral motifs. Grooved wood grip covered in shagreen and with 15 wraps of twisted brass wire. Reverse ricasso marked COLLINS & CO in an arc over HARTFORD, CONN with the date 1861 on the obverse. Blade etched with floral and patriotic motifs with the obverse ricasso etched Geo W Simons & Bro/Maker. Spine of sword is etched Presented to Captain Joseph J Vaughan 106th Regiment by the Members of Co. B Christmas 1861. The blade is additionally etched on the obverse with the phrases With All Our Heart, My Country Dear, Liberty Dearer, Among the First along with the decorations. The reverse is etched with the phrases Be Strong, Be Just, Be Fortunate, The Integrity of the American Union, U.S., The Security of Mankind, along with the decorative motifs. All of the etching is weak and difficult to read due to cleaning. The sword is contained in its shagreen covered scabbard with gilt deep relief chiseled mounts. The reverse of the upper mount is engraved: Presented To/Capt. Joseph J Vaughan/106th Regiment P.V./By The Members Of Company B/As A Slight Token Of The/High Honor/And Esteem We Bear/A Brave Officer/An Accomplished/Gentleman/And A True Friend/DEC. 25, 1861. A binder of research regarding Vaughan accompanies the sword, along with copies of his service records, a copy of a newspaper article about the presentation, etc.

Little is known of Joseph J. Vaughn of Philadelphia who was commissioned the Captain of Company B of the 106th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on August 28, 1861. His records prior to this service are somewhat elusive and he may be the same "J Joseph Vaughan" of Philadelphia who served briefly during 1861 as Captain of Company H of the 23rd PA Infantry from April 21, 1861 until July 31, 1861, when he was mustered out of this 90-day regiment. Vaughan was presented this sword as a Christmas present by his company and the presentation is noted in at least one period newspaper, which also quotes the scabbard's inscription and notes the maker/retailer of the sword as George W Simons & Bro. Vaughan served with the 106th through August of 1862, when he was dismissed from the service by Special Order #164, dated 17 July 1862. During his service the 106th PA participated in the battles of Balls Bluff (21 October 1861), The Siege of Yorktown (April 5-May 3, 1862) and Fair Oaks or Seven Pines (May 31-June 1, 1862). It is not clear why Vaughan was dismissed from the service in July of 1862.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

This lot is located in Cincinnati.