An Absolutely stunning, highest grade seen, Mexican-Civil War Era.
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Description
If you have collected American Military Uniforms and accoutrements of the mid 19th century, then you have seen many examples of officer’s sword sashes. The crimson silk is in fine condition, and is approximately 10 and a half feet long. The width of the sash is nearly 8 inches, not overtly large but bigger than the average. The tassels are larger than normal, being nearly 11 inches in length; the wood forms beneath the woven knot are oval in shape not the round usually seen, with the wood covered in silk as well and the sash itself pulled through and sewn down, rather a-typical for sash construction. The most wear is found here on the tassel fringe.
Where we depart the norm in a major fashion is the use of embroidered spread-winged eagle, (wing span 6 1/2″) with the federal shield, talons grasping the olive branch on the right and arrows that appear more like lightening bolts in the left. The eagle is looking over the olive branch, not the arrows. Finally a large banner extends from the beak, flowing beyond the left wing, all done in gold silk. This work as all embroidery is double sided.
Above the tassels is what I assume was intended for either a staff officer (the appropriate insignia is the U.S. within a wreath), or just what may have been believed at the time as an ideal embellishment to use.
Now opinions vary as to who may have worn this. The belief that it is a general officer’s sash is out of the question, even though general officers can do as they please. This period of history was certainly a flamboyant age, but in the military, drawing attention to one’s self has never been good practice for any officer, especially those of a junior rank. The Mexican and Civil Wars saw a number of dandy politicians of note who fancied themselves as capable officers, thus making this a viable choice. My pick is simply an exemplary made sash intended to accompany an exquisite high grade presentation sword, cased of course!
One thing is for sure, it is the only sash that I have ever seen that can stand alone, without it’s senior mate, the sword displayed along side.
USPS Priority Mail $15.00
