M1860 Presentation Staff & Field Sword- Christmas Day, 1879 SOLD

Description

M1860 Presentation Staff & Field Sword- Christmas Day, 1879. The sword bears the name of the retailer, which I could not find listed, and it appears to read, “O. ARNUM (perhaps BARNUM) / SON &  / BUFFALO.” The pattern differs little from most seen on the market, having gilt finish parts overall with sharkskin with double twist wire grips. The hilt has a pommel cap with eagle on one side and a plain shield on the other; the two ferrules have the acanthus leaf design which is repeated in other places on the sword, and scabbard ring mounts.   The knuckle bow has twisted lightening bolts emanating for a central point at the swell on both sides.  The forward counter-guard has a  fine eagle over a panoply of flags, and on the opposite side,  a folding guard with an engraved  presentation that reads, “Presented to Capt. Frank E. Wood. by the 65th Regiment Cadet Corps, December 25, 1879.”

The 30″ blade is diamond shaped and has etched panels on both sides with flags and drums on the lower blade,  “U.S.” on the left side, with the American eagle on the other. Nearly the remaining half of blade is un-etched finished bright.  Overall the blade is excellent with minimal blemishing and scratching. There are gilt mounts on Major Wood’s field scabbard, which is blued steel. Most of the blue is present with some turning brownish in color visible in intense light, and some minor rust spots.  The gilt on the sword and mounts is over 90 %+  with most of the wear visible on the folding counter-guard where the presentation is located. Overall a gorgeous sword. The red wool washer is missing.

 

Apparently, after the mustering out of the 65th New York Volunteers in 1865, the military organization maintained a presence in Buffalo, known as the Cadet Corps (still part of the 65th regt.) , and had a armory in that city for military and other functions. This may be the unit where Frank Wood began is military career.  In the 1890’s the State reorganized its National Guard, and this unit (I believe) was amalgamated into the 74th National Guard Regiment.

Frank Wood’s Obituary:

“Major Frank Eugene Wood, formerly of the 74th Regiment, well known in Buffalo military and business circles, passed away last evening at his home…after an illness of a week..  Mr. Wood was 48 years old.  He had been in business in Buffalo for a number of years as a public accountant for the International Railway Company and at the time of his death held that responsible post with the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company.  During the past 15 years Maj. Wood had devoted much of his energy and time to military work along national lines. He was the first captain of Company  H, of the 74th Regiment, and at the time of the reorganization of the regiment into two battalions, in 1893, was promoted to major. When the 202d Regiment, N.G.N.Y.  was formed in Buffalo during the Spanish War, Maj. Wood answered the call for volunteers, and was assigned to the rank of major.  He accompanied the regiment to Cuba, serving until the command was mustered out at the close of the war.   Maj. Wood was for many years a member of the Buffalo Yacht Club, and a past commodore of that organization.   He was also a member of Queen City Lodge, F. & A.M. ….”

In June of1898, Frank Wood mustered into the 202nd Regiment, and saw service in Cuba, the first American regiment to land at Havana. Promoted to major, Wood was given command of the 2nd Battalion. On 18 March, the 202nd was notified it was being replaced by the 1st U.S. Infantry, and ordered to muster out, eventually arriving at Savannah, Ga. on April !5. 1899.

A gorgeous sword accompanied with a photogravure image of Major Wood, as a captain in the 74th Regiment, in undress coat taken in the early 1890s.

The sword is the earliest piece from a larger group for Woods, being mostly 74th uniform insignia, sword belt, dress helmet, and his 202nd NY tropical khaki coat with blue trim which I will be listing with the next few weeks. Inquiries welcome.