M1860 Field & Staff Sword – Brigadier General Edgar R. Champlin – SOLD

Description

M1860 Field & Staff Sword – Brigadier General Edgar R. Champlin.

Edgar Robert Champlin, (1858 – 1932),  Graduated from Harvard Law School in 1880, was a lawyer, banker and politician, and was also the 27th mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts.  From January 4, 1894, to January 6, 1897, Champlin was the Judge Advocate General, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and on the staffs of Governor Frederic T. Greenhalge, and Roger Wolcott.

In 1899, he became the 27th mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Champlin was a frequent speaker to many organizations concern the law, and politics, as well as addressing several Military organizations in New England. One such time was as a guest speaker in 1900 for the Ancient and Honorable Artillery of Massachusetts, where his main theme was “Patriotism.” Receiving many applauses during his address, he made two important points that highlight his character and patriotism;  “Unless a man loves his country, I care not what he does, he is no patriot,  and “I would not give much for a man who undertakes to advance politically by seeking to reward his enemies rather than his friends.”

General Champlin’s Model 1860 Field and Staff sword, is presentation grade, with silver grip, and fancy scabbard mounts. The nickelled scabbard has a single brigadier’s rank star mounted between the mounts. Usually not found with swords of this type is the original general officer’s sword knot with the acorn.

The blade measures 31 inches, and is nicely etched, with the left side bearing the retailers name, HORSTMANN / PHILADELPHIA, a panoply of flags, and a spread winged eagle with “E Pluribus Unum, amongst a floral design. The right side is similarly done, with panel with is name.  The blade overall is very good + with a very light toning. the etching still stands out, however, over the years with family cleaning the thin gold wash within the etched areas is all but gone. The counter guards are both embellished, the folding guard  (in working order) having various crossed arms with federal shield at the center; the main guard has a great federal eagle over crossed flags.

Most of the gilt remains remains on all brass mounts and hilt, with light wear in areas where the sword was most handled.  The knot, made of gilt and silver bullion is in very good condition with wears having been wand around the guard.

A pleasing general officer’s sword with a name and history.