Magnificent "Schuyler Hartley & Graham" Indian Maiden Sword with Civil War Related Presentation. With but a handful of known specimens extant, this sword is listed as number 16 under "Rich Presentation Swords for Field and Line Officers" in the 1864 S. H. & G. catalog, and is about identical to the illustrated example, with the exception of the scabbard mounts, which are more ornate on this specimen. The sword bears the engraved inscription on the silver scabbard between the upper and middle mounts, "Presented to / Capt. S. Zuschlag / by the members of Co. C 55th Regt. / N. G. S. N. Y. / As a token of their respect / July 11th 1870". The 55th Regiment, Garde La Fayette, while primarily a New York City / State National Guard unit, was activated for 30 days between 6/24/63 to 7/27/63, serving in the Harrisburg, Pa. area in response to Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania. Zuschlag (spelled Zuschlay in records) served with the unit during this period and remained with the unit until C. 1885.

The sword itself is overall about mint and truly massive. The blade marked W. Clauberg with knight on the obverse ricasso, and Iron Proof on a gold washed background on the back, exhibits an etched and engraved panel on the obverse with delicate scroll work flanking a highly detailed spread wing eagle with motto, on gold washed background. On the reverse is a very elaborate old English US, flanked by similar scroll work, on a gold washed background. Just a small area of minor salt and peppering near the tip on both sides, else the blade is about mint retaining 98% of the original mint luster, with just some fading of the gold wash. The massive and exquisitely detailed hilt features a thick, pierced basket guard, the round faced outer edge decorated with small circles. The guard is a full basket, and the same size on both sides of the grip. Thick knucklebow provides the highly detailed appearance of twisted silk strands, the center swelled with an 8 ball circle with flames extending in both directions. All fully three dimensional. The heavy quillon is decorated with cast leaves and berries. The grip is certainly among the most iconic and beautifully executed of all forms from this period, and features a nearly three dimensional, 5" high figure, of an idealized, bare breasted, North American Indian maiden. Legs and upper body touched with silver to provide an 'antique' effect. Feathered head dress and feathered skirt both heavily gilded. Deep relief cast leaves at the base as well as along the right side to the level of her skirt. The back of the grips is cast in a fluted/swirl pattern with pebbled finish and decorated with round beads. The figure blends into the pommel with is decorated with leaves and ears of corn. The pommel is also surmounted by a silvered, full figure American eagle. Hilt is overall about mint, retaining original gilt and silver wash. Silver scabbard about mint with just some tarnish around the mounts. Rudimentary brass throat, with the upper two mounts cast in very deep, and highly detailed relief with scrolls, leaves and berries, and exhibiting multiple piercings. The lower mount chased and engraved on a pebbled background with deep relief cast scroll work at the top, intertwined branches of laurel leaves and berries in the center, with a shell like drag. Scabbard and mounts also about perfect with mounts retaining of the original gilt and absolutely no dents or dings.

A magnificent American sword, among the finest available from America's premier military outfitters of the period, with interesting historical background and adjuncts, with a history that traces back to the Civil War.

Provenance: Heritage Auctions, 25 June 2011, lot 52161.

Height: 103 cm;