American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

Archive comprises:

A Tiffany imported presentation sword, with silver plated hilt, gilt plate, etched panoplies of arms on ricasso, followed by floral reliefs and crossed cannons. Made by P. D. Luneschlofs of Solingen. Scabbard struck "Tiffany & Co," with "MS" likely indicating "Medical Service," and presentation reading, "Presented to W. J. McDermott. Surgeon U.S. Vols. / by / his Friends in the 1st Assembly district of Westchester County / New York." Tarnishing to sword, oxidation to scabbard. Scabbard with some dents and dings.

Albumen photograph taken in the field, likely dating to McDermott's service with 3rd New York Infantry Regiment, inscribed to recto, "Surgeon McDermott, Asst Surg Van Rensselaer & Servant." The trio poses in front of McDermott's tent, with his trunk bearing initials "W. J. Mc. D." visible to the viewer's right. 7 5/8 x 5 5/8 in. albumen photograph mounted to cardstock and framed to 14 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (heavy toning, dampstaining, spotting, some abrasions to print; mount with heavy creasing, discoloration, abrasions, general wear).

Approx. 38 x 1 5/8 in. stitched leather sword belt with brass keeper and cast brass Model 1851 eagle buckle (leather with heavy wear, pliable, with an area of separation rudimentarily "repaired" with black tape which is no longer fully adhered; some oxidation to plate; bench numbers match). Sword hangers present with brass sword snap hooks (one non-functioning). Leather uniform protector present, but appears to have been separated and rudimentarily stitched back on. Sword hook also present.

92 x 4 1/4 in. green sash (some discoloration and toning, with areas of wear to edges and a few holes/losses to sash body). Length includes acorns, but not tassels, which each measure 6 in.

Together, 4 items related to an intriguing physician with a storied military career.

William James McDermott (1830-1904) was born in Portland, Maine, receiving his early and postsecondary education in St. John, New Brunswick, graduating from King's College in 1847. He entered the Medical Department at the University of New York in 1849, and graduated from that institution in 1852. He then took an extended trip to Europe, visiting and studying hospitals there until returning to the United States to begin practicing medicine in Westchester, New York, where he practiced until being elected a Member of Assembly for the state in 1860. McDermott answered the first call for troops at the outbreak of the Civil War, resigning his seat in the assembly and enlisting in the Union Army as a surgeon on 19 April 1861. He spent the most continuous time with the 66th New York Infantry regiment, but served shorter stints with the 6th and 3rd NY Infantry Regiments, along with the 17th NY Cavalry Regiment.

He was reportedly with Colonel Ellsworth when Ellsworth was shot at Alexandria, and he assisted in the amputation of General Oliver O. Howard's arm at the Battle of Fair Oaks. He participated in the Battle of the Wilderness, being left in charge of the wounded and subsequently captured. As a result, he spent a short time at Libby Prison before being paroled. McDermott was mustered out of service with the rank of brevet major on 21 October 1865.

Notably, in his obituary in the Boston Evening Transcript, McDermott is also reported as being a personal friend of Presidents Lincoln and Grant.

After the war, McDermott returned to Westchester to renew his practice after the war. He was a member of the Medical Societies of Westchester County and the state of New York, and for 20 years was a physician of the Sacred Heart Academy.