Presentation U.S. Model 1840 Medical Staff Sword of Major John T. Walker - 25th Indiana Infantry, with Fleam Set

American Civil War

30" straight double edged spear point blade with 17.5" narrow median fuller, blade .83" wide at ricasso. Overall length 35.25" with a 5.5" gilt cast brass hilt with acorn pommel, 4.5" flowing foliate guard and two shield shaped lnagets. Obverse langet is marked MS for Medical Staff and the reverse langet is engraved with a presentation that reads: Presented to/Dr. J.T. Walker/1st Surg. 25th Regt. Ind. Vols./BY THE/Commissioned Officers as/a testimony of respect. The blade is etched with flowing foliate devices and patriotic emblems and further etched Medical Staff on the obverse. The sword is accompanied by a browned steel scabbard with gilt brass chiseled mounts. A three bladed fleam, with one of the blades engraved John Walker, is included, along with its leather pouch. A binder of research about Walker and his service is included as well.

John T. Walker (1816-1865) was born in New Jersey and attended Ohio Medical College. He practiced medicine in Evansville, IN. He served as the Assistant Surgeon to the 2nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Mexican American War, serving from July 14, 1846 to June 30, 1847. With the coming of the Civil War offered his services to his country again. This time he was made the surgeon of the 25th Indiana Volunteers. The regiment fought at most of the major battles in the Western Theater during the first part of the war, including Fort Donelson and Shiloh. They also fought through much of the campaign in Northern Mississippi, including at Corinth. The regiment participated in the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman's March to the Sea and final fighting in North Carolina around Bentonville. On January 28, 1863 Walker was promoted to Major. On June 10, 1864 he resigned due to ill health and he died February 8, 1865 of disease contracted while in the service.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

This lot is located in Cincinnati.