Historic presentation sword given to Colonel Haldimand S. Putnam of the 7th New Hampshire Infantry. Colonel Putnam was killed at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner while fighting alongside Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts. His body, like Colonel Shaw’s, was never recovered and is buried on the battlefield.

Given to Colonel Putnam in October of 1861, this example is a high-grade M1850 Staff and Field officer’s sword produced and exported by Clauberg in Germany for the American market. Upon arrival, it was retailed by the firm Emerson and Silver in Trenton, New Jersey. The sword is in almost pristine condition; its mounts, guard, and drag retain a high-percentage of their original gold wash. The quillion, a cast eagle’s head, includes red ruby garnet eyes. A true artisanal product, the sword is richly ornamented by stippling and floral patterns. These fine details, including feather definition on the eagle’s head, were embellished by hand. The sword’s blade is striking and in excellent condition, bearing a typical arrangement of patriotic motifs. The presentation, professionally executed on the inner mount, reads “Presented to Col HS Putnam, 7th NH Vols, Oct 1861.”

Haldiman S. Putnam, a New Hampshire native, graduated from West Point in 1857 with high honors and served at a western frontier post before the onset of hostilities in 1861. Said to have been a personal favorite of General Winfield Scott, Putnam participated in the Battle of Bull Run and earned a Brevet Major commission for gallantry in the Manassas Campaign. Though Putnam was young, only 25, the Governor of New Hampshire awarded him the Colonelcy of the 7th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in October of 1861. The achievement likely earned him this presentation sword.

Despite his reputation as a strict disciplinarian, Colonel Putnam managed to win his regiment’s admiration. His men appreciated his penchant for profanity and, more importantly, his devotion to the enlisted soldier. This devotion was borne out at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, where Colonel Putnam joined his men on the field of battle and was shot through the head after getting into the fort itself. Putnam’s charge on Fort Wagner followed the 54th Massachusetts’ famous charge led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. Both men were 27 when they were killed. In response to Putnam’s father’s request for his body to be sent back home, a surgeon with the 7th New Hampshire wrote that it was not possible “owing to the savage proclivities of the enemy we are fighting against.” Thus, Colonel Putnam’s body still reposes on the battlefield to this day, along with Colonel Shaw and the brave men who fought under their command. 

As an interesting aside, the sword in the preceding lot was owned by an officer in the 67th Ohio who fought (and was wounded) under Putnam’s command at Fort Wagner. As Acting General, Putnam led a brigade composed of his regiment, the 100th New York Infantry, the 67th Ohio, and the 62nd Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Sword, Saber, Clauberg, Ames, Ball and Black] [Abraham Lincoln]