Non-Regulation Staff & Field Officer's Sword of Lt. Isaiah Robison - 28th PVV - KIA at Peachtree Creek

American Civil War

32.25" slightly curved, single-edged spear point blade with a 19" stopped median fuller, blade 1" wide at ricasso. Overall length 37.5" with a 5.5" hilt. Pierced steel partial basket guard with spread-winged eagle, grooved wood grip with shagreen covering and seven wraps of multi-strand wire. Reverse ricasso with Clauberg maker's mark, obverse with "Proved" disc. The blade is etched with flowing foliate scrolls on both sides with a US as the central panel on the reverse and a spread-winged Eagle on the obverse. Spine of blade is etched: Lieut I.B. Robison 28th P.V.V. The sword is accompanied by its steel scabbard.

Isiah B. Robinson was 21 years old when he enlisted in the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on June 12, 1861. He was appointed a sergeant in Company A. The 28th was initially commanded by John Geary who went on to be a general and governor of Pennsylvania. The 28th spent most of 1861 in the Harpers Ferry area, around Point of Rocks, MD, at Bolivar Heights, etc. 1862 saw service in the same region, as well as Northern Virginia, with combat at Thoroughfare Gap on April 2. On January 1 Robinson was promoted from sergeant to 2nd lieutenant. The regiment continued to operate in the Northern Virginia area and then participated in Pope's campaign in that region, which culminated at 2nd Manassas. The regiment fought at Antietam, and then returned to their operations around the Harpers Ferry region. January of 1863 saw them participate in the Mud March and spring brought the campaign that culminated at Chancellorsville. The regiment fought gallantly at Gettysburg and in the fall moved to the Western Theater where they participated in the Chattanooga Campaign, including the Battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold Gap. The spring of 1864 brought the Atlanta Campaign, with the 28th fighting at Dug Gap, Resaca, New Hope Church and Dallas. Robinson briefly took command of Company C during March and April of 1864 and then returned to Company A as the acting commander. During fighting at Peachtree Creek on July 20, 1864 Robinson was killed in action.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg