The weapon being a militia officer's dress sword and likely a British import, second quarter of the 19th century, the 29 in. steel blade etched with gilt highlighting, the name of New York distributor "(A) W. SPIES" placed in a streamer on the right side's ricasso, other etchings include a Liberty pole with cap above scrolled foliage, the heavily gilded cast brass hilt is topped with a detailed pommel cast as an eagle gripping a ball in its beak, the grip is of carved bone. The scabbard, also of gilt brass, is engraved on one side with an American eagle and shield device. An original deerskin protective sleeve comes with the sword as does a cased family portrait miniature of a young man, possibly the sword's one-time owner.

LOA 34.25 in.

By descent from Andrew Jackson O'Hanlon (1826-1895) of Fayetteville, NC.

Overall oxidation and rub to the blade's gilt; the grip with some losses; all elements of the hilt are loose; the scabbard is dent-free and is very bright with full polished gilt; the deerskin sleeve only retains stitching halfway down its length; no condition concerns with the portrait.

$900 - 1,200