3345

ELEGANT PRESENTATION "HUNTING SWORD" TO SPEAKER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
ELEGANT PRESENTATION  HUNTING SWORD  TO SPEAKER
OF THE HOUSE "ROBERT WINTHROP" BY MEMBERS OF 30TH CONGRESS, 1849. For a wealthy and influential man who had everything, Members of Congress picked an unusual gift that would definitely surprise him at banquet in his honor given by the citizens of Washington, December 20, 1849. This traditional German hunting sword has 23.5" etched blade with maker's mark "KNECHT / SOLINGEN", dog head quillons, boars head on ferule, buck on languet, hunting arms and gear on blade. Robert Charles Winthrop (1809-1894) was an American lawyer, politician, historian, author, & philanthropist, who served as the speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He was a descendant of John Winthrop who was founding father of Massachusetts Bay Colony and governor. Winthrop graduated from Harvard University in 1828, studied law with Daniel Webster and practiced in Boston. At 24, he served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1835 to 1840, and served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House 1838-1840. Winthrop was elected US Representative from Massachusetts as a Whig 1840 to the 26th United States Congress serving as "speaker of the house" during 30th Congress when presented this sword. Winthrop resigned from House to become senator filling Daniel Webster's seat in 1850. He would lose re-election and his political career over at the young age of 43, Winthrop spent the remainder of his life in literary, historical, and philanthropic pursuits. It was noted that he had the distinction of having known every President of the United States except Washington and Jefferson. John Kerry, past presidential candidate is a descendant of Winthrop. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: large file of correspondence and research including original bill of sale from Dave Kleiner, 1997. CONDITION: very good overall, sword handle and scabbard mounts retain much of their original gold plate. The red stag grip panels are missing one of the six oakleaf decorated buttons, small accessory knife is missing. (02-20574/JS.) $2,500-3,500.