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US MODEL 1860 STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S PRESENTATION SWORD, PRESENTED TO CAPT. MARTIN KELLOGG COOK, AIDE-DE-CAMP TO MAJ. GEN. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, JULY 1863

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This is an exceptional and fully documented Civil War presentation sword of the highest historical significance — a named, inscribed officer's sword with an unbroken chain of provenance linking it directly to the command structure of the Union Army at Memphis, Tennessee, during one of the most consequential summers of the war.

THE SWORD

The blade is a finely crafted 31-inch etched steel example in the M1860 Staff & Field Officer's pattern, retaining crisp period decoration throughout its length. The etching features elaborate floral scrollwork, martial trophy panels, and the bold "U.S." designation characteristic of regulation officer swords of the period.

The hilt is assembled to the highest presentation grade. The brass half-basket guard is cast with an American eagle clutching a shield. The grip retains its original leather and twisted wire wrap with Phrygian helmet pommel. The guard bears the oval maker's stamp of E. Lyon of Paris, one of the most respected sword outfitters of the Civil War era, known for assembling superior-quality swords on imported Klingenthal blades.

The original steel scabbard retains an outstanding 95% of its original blued finish — genuinely exceptional for a field-carried Civil War sword scabbard of this age.

THE INSCRIPTION

"Presented to Capt. N.K. Cook / Aid to Maj. Gen'l Hurlbut / by his Friends / Wm. R. Manning & Frank M. Hubbell / July 1863"

THE RECIPIENT: CAPTAIN MARTIN KELLOGG COOK

Originally a Sergeant in Company B, 4th Regiment Illinois Cavalry, Cook distinguished himself at Fort Donelson and was promoted and assigned as Aide-de-Camp to Major General Hurlbut at Memphis. He rose to Captain, was wounded in the right arm, and resigned in 1866. His widow's sworn pension testimony explicitly states he "was presented with a sword for bravery."

THE GENERAL: MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN A. HURLBUT

One of the most prominent Union generals of the western theater. Hurlbut commanded the 4th Division at Shiloh, the XVI Corps at Memphis, and after the war became co-founder and first Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic.

THE PROVENANCE DOCUMENTATION

Included with the sword is an extensive original pension file including the widow's pension declaration, a 1918 Bureau of Pensions sworn deposition explicitly referencing the sword presentation, and original military muster rolls placing Cook on Hurlbut's staff in Memphis.

CONDITION

- Blade: Strong, clear etching; honest age patina

- Hilt: All components present and original

- Grip: Original leather and wire wrap; light age-appropriate fraying

- Scabbard: Steel; approximately 95% original blue finish retained

- Provenance documents: Included in full

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