^Lot 33 Span-Am War Era Model 1872 Cavalry Presentation Sword

Spanish-American War era U.S. Model 1872 Cavalry Officer's Presentation Sword, engraved between the two scabbard rings reads: ''Presented to 1st Lt. John F. Wentling Jr., Quartermaster 10th Regt. Infantry, Penna. Vols. by the Citizens of Western Pa. in recognition of faithful Military Service in the Philippine Islands, 1898-1899''. Sword features an etched engraved blade with gold wash, having military motif decorations, ''U.S.'', ''1st. Lieut. John F. Wentling Jr. Quartermaster'', and maker's mark for J.H. Wilson Co., Phila.Pa. Blade measures 33-1/2'' long with a single wide fuller on both sides. Original buff leather blade washer is present. The gold-gilded brass guard is very fancy with an eagle and laurel leaves, flags, and three smooth branches. Quillion area has a small American eagle with shield and arrows. Pommel features a bearded warrior's head in relief on the side and American eagle on top. Grip is grooved with spongy wire wrapping and covered in white rayskin. Scabbard appears to be solid nickel silver with gold gilt fancy relief fittings at the hangers and drag. Scabbard fittings are decorated in military motifs, American eagles and shields, and intertwined U.S. at the drag. Additionally, the front of the scabbard below the hangers is engraved with flourishes, eagle, shield, drum, and flags. Condition is very good, having never been cleaned or altered. Blade shows age graying, some light rust stains, fading to the gold wash in the engraving, and some minor pinprick pitting. Grip has one small area of the rayskin missing on the back, with some soiling and shrinkage. Fittings on the scabbard, pommel, and guard show wear to the gold-gilded finish on the high edges, and fading to the finish. Scabbard is dent free and has a nice uncleaned patina to the nickel silver. A beautiful untouched sword worthy of further research. Est.: $800-$1,200.(John Ackerman collection)