PRESENTATION GRADE IMPORT MODEL 1850 STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD ID’D TO 51ST PENNSYLVANIA OFFICER, LT. HARRY JACOBS

$3,400.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 982-06

The drawn sword measures a total length of 38.00 inches from tip to pommel. The steel blade is 31.75 inches long with a 14.25 inch narrow fuller and a 21.00 inch wide stopped fuller. The blade surface is bright with only two small areas of very light mottling and is otherwise in very clean condition. The true edge has several small nicks. The obverse ricasso is marked “J. C. F. D.” in an arc over “N. Y.” This is the mark of the distributer J. C. F. Deecken of New York City who was a dealer of military goods. The reverse ricasso has the standing Knight with “W. CLAUBERG” in an arc above his head and “SOLINGEN” in a concave line below the knight’s feet. The spine of the blade in this area is marked “IRON PROOF.” The blade surface is embellished via the acid etching process. The etching on the obverse side has panoply of flags above the ricasso with patriotic shields, a spread-winged eagle and an ”E PLURIBUS UNUM” riband scattered amidst a foliate design. The reverse of the blade follows the same pattern but it has a decorated “US” in place of the eagle. Though not “frosty” the etching is clearly visible and in good condition. A worn but complete red cloth washer is present at the base of the guard.

Weapon has a highly detailed, two-line, cutout brass hilt with the guard and knucklebow cast in one piece. Upper line of brass hilt features prominent letters “US” surrounded by finely case foliate. Bottom line has an intricate, foliate cutout design. The grip is of cast brass with alternating vertical rows of raised plain ribbing and a raised leaf pattern. Phrygian pommel cap is border-engraved with laurel and oak leaves. Domed pommel cap is engraved with a raised oak leaf patter. Knucklebow and guard wiggle just a bit. Quillon is an impressively cast and strong looking eaglehead. All brass wears a light patina.

The undented blued scabbard is in excellent condition and has turned a plumb brown. The throat is of plain brass. The two mounts are brass scalloped escutcheons with plain medallions at center. The reverse of the mounts are plain brass. Both suspension rings are present. The brass drag has some minor indentations on both sides and is decorated with an oval medallion at center of laurel leaves.

Screwed to the scabbard between the two mounts is an engraved oval silver plate that reads “LIEUT. HARRY JACOBS / CO. F 51ST P.V.V. / FROM FRIENDS IN NORRISTOWN / NOV. 24TH 1864.” The edge of the plate as well as the inscription has all the usual scroll and linear embellishments.

It should be pointed out that the 51st Pennsylvania, along with the 51st New York, charged across and captured Burnside’s Bridge at the battle of Antietam thus securing for itself an import role in that pivotal battle and the owner of this sword was present.

Harry Jacobs, also known as Henry” was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on January 29, 1840. When the Civil War started 21 year old Jacobs was employed as a butcher. On April 20, 1861 he enlisted for three months as a Private in Company B, 4th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was mustered out on July 26, 1861.

Jacobs enlisted for a second time on September 16, 1861. This time he was appointed Corporal in Company F, 51st Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was promoted to Sergeant July 20, 1862 and became a reenlisted Veteran on December 31, 1863. At the time of his reenlistment he was described as being 5’ 7 ½” tall with dark gray eyes, dark hair and a dark complexion. In September of 1864 Jacobs was promoted to 1st Sergeant and received a commission to 2nd Lieutenant November 1, 1864. Jacobs was mustered out on July 27, 1865.

During Jacobs service his regiment took part in 62 battles and skirmishes to include Roanoke Island, 2nd Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Knoxville, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Rail Road and Hatcher’s Run. Jacobs appears to have been present until October 25, 1864 when he entered the 9th Corps Hospital suffering from chronic diarrhea. On November 12, 1864 he was sent on a 25 day leave of absence to recover. He returned to his regiment sometime in December of 1864 and was present for duty through Appomattox. Sometime in May or June of 1865 he was listed as “absent, on duty.” Most likely he was on detached duty somewhere within the 9th Corps.

After the war Jacobs returned to Norristown and his occupation as a butcher. In 1879 when the National Guard was reorganized Jacobs was listed as Captain of Company F, 6th Pennsylvania National Guard.

In May of 1898 Captain Jacobs went with his regiment to Camp Russell A. Alger to prepare for service in the Spanish-American War. The 6th reported to the camp in early May and returned in September that same year having never left the United States. Jacobs remained active in the National Guard and retired with the rank of Major.

Jacobs died June 10, 1919 and was buried in Montgomery Cemetery in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Military and pension records from the National Archives come with the item.  [ad]

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