Outstanding Published Clauberg US Model 1850 Officer's Sword of Lt. Thomas McClure, 7th NY Heavy Artillery - KIA at Cold Harbor

American Civil War

32" slightly curved single-edged spear point blade with a 22" stopped median fuller and 1.09" wide at ricasso. Overall length 38" with a 6" gilt brass hilt with silver grip with small round silver studs and wrapped with multi-strand wire. Face of guard with US within a banner suggesting Staff & Field, but the sword is categorized as a Foot Officer's sword by Thillmann, who pictures and describes this sword on pages 292-293 of his book Civil War Army Swords. The blade is beautifully etched on both sides with flowing foliate scrolls and features a panoply of arms and large US on the reverse and more patriotic trophies of arms and a spread-winged Eagle on the obverse. The reverse ricasso bears a Clauberg maker's mark and the spine of the blade is etched IRON PROOF. The sword is accompanied by a gilt brass mounted silvered scabbard that is engraved on a presentation plaque on the reverse, between the upper and middle mounts: Presented to/Lieut. Thomas J. McClure/by the Officers and Men/of/Battery H 7th N.Y. Vol. Art. The sword is accompanied by a large binder of research and information regarding McClure.

Thomas J. McClure (1840-1864) was a 22 year old clerk from Troy, NY when he enlisted in the 7th New York Heavy Artillery on August 13, 1862. He was made the 1st sergeant of Company H on August 18 and like most of the "heavies" the regiment spent its initial service in the defenses of Washington. With Grant's Overland Campaign of 1864 and the need to put overwhelming force in the field to fight the Army of Northern Virginia the 7th and many other heavy artillery regiments were redeployed for use as infantry with the Army of the Potomac. McClure must have been an efficient soldier and well-liked as he was promoted to 2nd lieutenant on December 5, 1863 and transferred to company A. The sword apparently commemorates this promotion and indicates how well liked he was by his old company. On February 18, 1864 he was promoted again, this time to 1st lieutenant and transferred to company L. On June 3, 1863 McClure was killed by artillery at the Battle of Cold Harbor. A description of his death noted that his right arm was torn off by the blast and another fragment penetrated his chest.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg