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MEXICAN WAR PERIOD HIGH GRADE OFFICER'S SWORD OF

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,500.00 USD
MEXICAN WAR PERIOD HIGH GRADE OFFICER'S SWORD OF

LIEUTENANT NATHAN BEAKES ROSSELL OF THE 5TH U.S. INFANTRY. Overall length: 37 1/4". Blade length: 31 1/2". This fine sword was part of a group of items sold by James D. Julia Auctions in the spring of 2008 as lot #1349A. In that auction, lot 1349 and 1349A were the personal belongings of Lt. Nathan Beakes Rossell. Rossell was the eldest son of General Zachariah Rossell, a Militia General and a Captain in the War of 1812. Lt. Rossell joined the 5th U.S. Infantry at Fort Winnebago as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1838. In November of 1840, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Rossell fought in the Mexican War and after being wounded in action, distinguished himself at the Battle of Monteray, Mexico in September of 1846. He was breveted to Major of Volunteers in September of 1847 as a result of his bravery during the Mexican War. Rossell transferred to the 3rd US Infantry and entered the Civil War as a Major. He was posthumously awarded the rank of brevet Lieutenant Colonel after being killed in action during the Battle of Gaines Mill. The blade is etched over 2/3 of its length with various military, patriotic and foliate motifs including sprays of arms and an American eagle. Heavily gilded hilt with cruciform guard is generously embellished with oak leaves and acorns and features bulbous leaf covered quillons. A chain forms the knuckle bow and joins the pommel in an eagle's beak. The fully formed and expertly articulated eagle sits upon a rocky ledge with a large snake in its mouth that is also held in its talons and is partially coiled around the eagle's neck. Certifiably antique ivory grip is artfully carved and crosshatched. There is a period metal peg repair holding together the grip. Scabbard is heavily gilded with foliate motifs covering most of its length. There is a raised wing American eagle between the scabbard rings. Scabbard also has a floral decorated frog stud. CONDITION: blade has substantial original factory polish and the etching is clear and crisp. The entire hilt retains virtually all of its original gilded finish. The grip has 2 tight age cracks. Scabbard retains most of its original gilded finish and the engraved decoration remains sharp. (02-17650/BF). $3,000-4,500.