^Lot 4194 UNIQUE CIVIL WAR GOLD, SILVER & DIAMOND MOUNTED

NEOCLASSICAL DESIGNED GENERAL OFFICER PRESENTATION GRADE SWORD. 42" overall, 33" highest grade damascus blade with gold highly detailed patriotic etched blade. This is maybe the highest grade Horstmann sword extant. Massive 8" gold plated high relief neoclassical pierced scroll design hilt. The use of silver components contrast beautifully against the gold. Sculptured raised relief beaded silver grip design is en suite to large 2.5" beaded border convex oval silver presentation plaque on folded down languet. An enchanting silver faced cherub quillon with diamond eyes with golden curled hair is unique to design. A large full figure spread wing eagle mounted on top of pommel. This was a very expensive sword during the war, most likely never sold by vendor and displayed for astonished viewers priced for an important presentation that never came as its price was very high. It was common to see entire companies or regiments of hundreds of subscribers make contributions to buy such a luxury item for a beloved commander. CONDITION: fine overall, sword retains most of its bright gold wash, blade has all its gold and Damascus design, silver body of scabbard has minor denting. (02-24205/JS). NON-GUN. $20,000-25,000.