TIFFANY CIVIL WAR GENERAL’S PRESENTATION GRADE SWORD WITH “NASHVILLE” BATTLE HONOR ETCHED ON THE BLADE

TIFFANY CIVIL WAR GENERAL’S PRESENTATION GRADE SWORD WITH “NASHVILLE” BATTLE HONOR ETCHED ON THE BLADE

02-23603

Overall length: 41″. Blade length: 32″. The blade is etched over 2/3 of its length w/ military trophy stands & foliate motifs as well as a battle scene & the battle honor “Nashville” in a central panel. There are vivid gold highlights throughout the etching. The single fullered blade is marked at the ricasso, “W. CLAUBERG (knight) SOLINGEN”. The artistically executed cruciform hilt has pineapple/pinecone finials on the ends of the crossguard. The top of the guard has a quatrefoil & a fleur de lis motif. The pommel is of swelled circular form & is topped by another pineapple/pinecone finial. A chain guard extends from one branch of the guard to the circular pommel. The vertically reeded grip is executed in solid silver. The gold plated brass scabbard is engraved w/ foliate motifs & an American eagle sitting atop a federal shield. This exact sword is pictured in the Tiffany & Company catalog titled, “Presentation Swords”. Parts of the catalog have been vividly & accurately reproduced in Thillmann’s book titled, “Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers”. The title of the page that this sword is illustrated on is “Straight Swords for Generals”. To our knowledge this is the only example of this exceptionally rare Tiffany sword to ever come to market. Given the extremely rare “Nashville” battle honor on the blade, it was likely given to one of the commanding Union generals present during the Battle of Nashville on December 15-16, 1864. An exceptional rarity for the United States sword collector, Nashville collector, Tiffany collector or anyone who appreciates fine American military rarities.

REFERENCE: pgs. 420-424, “Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers” by John H. Thillmann.