DESCRIPTION: Officer John Breckinridge Babcock's Medal of Honor presentation sword for acts of gallantry at Spring Creek in Nebraska on May 16th 1869 during the American Frontier Wars.
The sword is comprised of an ornate silver plate basket hilt with open work leaves, flowers and an eagle depicted in relief, foliage in relief at the pommel and knuckle bow, a silver tone ribbed handle overlaid by bands of foliage etched bronze with a face in relief at the backstrap and further foliage designs in relief at the face of the blade along with a depiction of an eagle over a banner "E. Pluribus Unum" . Blade is stamped "W Clauberg Solingen".
The scabbard features Sterling silver suspension rings and chape each with symmetrical hand engraved leaf depictions in relief and engraved script "Presented to 1st Lt. 5 US Cav John B. Babcock for gallantry against hostile Indians 16 May 1869 Arizona by his men".
CIRCA: Late 19th Century
ORIGIN: USA
DIMENSIONS: H: 5" X W: 3.5" X L: 41.25", & Blade L: 34.5"
CONDITION: Wear with age. Some oxidation to the scabbards exterior. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS (305) 333-4134. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Akiba Antiques shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.