Irish-American Col. Thomas Cass Presentation Sword with Reseach, Prints and More 

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Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, Day 1

By Cowan's Auctions

Apr 26, 2016 - Apr 28, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-04-26 10:00:00 2016-04-28 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, Day 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/historic-firearms-and-early-militaria-day-1-1389
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• Lot Description
  Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's sword, 30.5" blade etched with floral and military motifs. Obverse with presentation "Presented by the Members / of the Columbian Artillery / to Capt. Thomas Cass / Dec 1854." Ricasso with maker's mark "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee, / Mass." Hilt has brass guard pierced with "US" and floral elements, and Phrygian helmet pommel embossed with acanthus leaves, both retaining good traces of gilt finish. Grip wrapped in shagreen and brass twist wire. Has a brass scabbard engraved on the obverse with a trophy of arms and presentation inscription between the upper mounts matching the one found on the blade, framed within a rococo scrolled shell border. Reverse stamped with an Ames address. Complete with bullion sword knot.
  
  Lot includes related display items and research material, a 12" x 8.25" copy photograph of Colonel Thomas Cass in uniform wearing the sword, in a 27" x 23" period gilt frame with oak leaf motifs, a 22.5" x 28" limited edition print by Don Troiani entitled, "Brothers of Ireland Battle of Gaine's Mill June 27, 1862", numbered 688/1000. Two flags on left side of print with U.S. flag and battle flag that with verse in the flag that partially reads, Thy Sons by Adoption, Truly Firm Supporters, and Affections and Choice, Col. Thomas Cass, Irish Volunteers. Flag on right side of the print with lettering on the flag that reads Irish Brigade 68th Regt. N.Y. S.V., photographs of the Colonel Thomas Cass monument in Boston Gardens and a print-out image of Colonel Thomas Cass seated in the center with this sword surrounded by fellow members of the 9th Mass Regiment with a list of battle honors.
  
  Lot also include the following books: an 1899 1st edition of History of the Ninth Mass. Volunteer Infantry by MacNamara, Commanding the Irish Ninth by Christian Samito and a 2000 reprint of History of the Ninth Mass. Volunteer Infantry by MacNamara with introduction by Christian Samito. In addition, the group includes two binders and folder of research and and related photos.
  
  Colonel Thomas Cass was born in Farmly, Queens County Ireland in 1821, emigrating as a child to Boston. Before the Civil War, he rose to prominence as a North End leader in local military and political affairs. He joined the Columbian Artillery, an elite militia group, advancing to the rank of captain and commander. At the beginning of the Civil War, the Columbian Artillery became part of the 9th Mass. Vol. Inf. with Cass named as colonel on June 11, 1861. A predominantly Irish regiment, this unit  soon to be known as "the Fighting Ninth," fighting with distinction in the Army of the Potomac at Hanover Courthouse, Gaines Mill, Savage's Station, White Oak Swamp and Turkey Creek.
  
  At the Battle of Malvern Hill, July, 1, 1862 Colonel Cass fell mortally wounded, shot through the face and mouth, dying on July 12. During that week's fighting, the regiment lost a total 19 officers but captured seven rebel standards.  During his funeral, the casket was draped with emblems of mourning and the stars and stripes. His sword, cap, and equipment rested on the casket.
  
  In 1899, the city of Boston erected a monument to Massachusetts volunteers topped by a sculpture of Col. Cass.  

  Condition

  Very good. Blade finish is lightly subdued with age and has moderate nicks on the edge. Grip wrapping shows surface wear. Scabbard with moderate dents, heaviest at the drag. Sword knot worn with some edge loss on the strap.
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• Buyer's Premium

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    $3,000,001	15.00