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IDENTIFIED MODEL 1902 U.S. OFFICER’S SABER BY S.O. BARNUM & SON

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S.O. Barnum & Son, at 265-267 Main Steet in Buffalo, NY, was a shopping mainstay of downtown Buffalo for generations. Founded in 1845, Barnum's (no relation to P.T. Barnum) were longtime dealers in what were then termed "fancy goods and notions" and boasted the slogan "Go to Barnham's first!" From 1880-1905 they were known as a military goods dealer who "Sold staff and field officer swords.”

This sword pattern was adopted for all officers, except Chaplains, in 1902. It measures 37.5” overall with a 32” blade. The etching on the blade is dense, very strong, and vivid, with nice frosted back ground, featuring regulation geometric and floral motifs, crossed flags and cannons. The “U.S.” is rendered on one side, and the American eagle on the other. Blade is mirror bright with no edge nicks. The leather blade pad in place under the guard. The ricasso has a cannon on one side, opposite that bears the firm address, “S.O. BARNUM / & SON CO., / BUFFALO / N.Y.”

The wood grip has four finger notches and is very good. The knuckle guard is silver-plated brass. Patterns cast into the guard include a sunburst around the blade, an eagle and stars around the grip, laurels along the length of the three branches of the guard, and a laurel wreath around crossed sabers and shield on the top of the pommel. Wear has exposed the brass from under the plating in scattered places while the remaining silver plate shows a fine, almost black, tarnish.

The scabbard has a nickel-plated body with elaborate silver-plated drag and ring mounts. Like the knuckle guard of the sword, wear has exposed the brass from under the plating on raised portions while the remaining silver plate shows a fine, almost black, tarnish. The drag and ring mount are high-relief pieces featuring an artistic floral repousse pattern. Additionally, the ring mount has a large and impressive eagle rising from the ring mount. Between these two decorative pieces is 19-inches of fine engraving. This starts at the top with flags, liberty cap, and muskets over a drum. Then longer segments of floral motifs surround the presentation. “Presented to / Lieut. Frank T. Haggerty A.D.C. Staff of Gov. Higgins / by the members of the F.O. Murray Bowling Club, December 27th 1904.”

“Gov. Higgins” was Frank Wayland Higgins (August 18, 1856 – February 12, 1907) and served as the 35th governor of New York.

Frank Truscott Haggerty was born in in 1867 in Buffalo, NY. He worked as a court stenographer eventually working in the NY Supreme Court. He was a Republican District and General Committeeman. He served as an officer in Company B, of the 74th New York National Guard; 2nd Lieutenant (April 1903), 1st Lieutenant (April 1904). He died on March 28, 1919 and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York.

The beautiful design and impressive etching on both blade and scabbard make this sword display very well and will be part of a nice collection showing variations in the M1902.  [jet] [ph:L]

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