Thomas Griswold & Company Sword Presented to Captain J.F. Girault, and Pen and Ink Depiction of the Sword

Description:

Thomas Griswold & Company Sword Presented to Captain J.F. Girault, and Pen and Ink Depiction of the Sword, c. 1861, silver-plated brass hilt, knuckle bow is three twisted snakes with the head as the quillon, eagle head pommel, and an ivory grip, steel blade is marked "THOMAS. GRISWOLD/NEW ORLEANS" on the ricasso, steel blade lightly etched with foliate designs and marked "Presented to/Captain J.F. Girault, New Orleans, Oct. 16, 1861," leather scabbard with gilt-brass fittings engraved with foliate designs; and a pen and ink sketch of the sword by Carl Pugliese, blade lg. 29 1/2, overall lg. 35 1/2 in.

Provenance: The collection of Nicholas A. Penachio.

Note: Captain Girault served as a member of the Confederate Guard Regiment, Louisiana Militia, as well as Assistant Adjutant General under Major General M.L. Smith and was at the Siege of Vicksburg. This sword is pictured in CONFEDERATE EDGED WEAPONS by William A. Albaugh III, p. 99, figure 66. The Pugliese sketch is the original plate done for the book that accompanies the sword.
Estimate $25,000-35,000

Sword is in very good condition with some silver loss on the hilt, etching on the blade is light with some spotting, and the scabbard is in very good condition.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords