High-grade presentation sword with a large jeweled hilt, silver scabbard, gold-washed blade, and “Liberty” figural grip that was given to Lieutenant Henry Ransing of the 79th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as a “Token of Respect” and for “gallantry displayed on all the battlefields in which he has participated.” The sword offered for sale here was so revered by Ransing it even merited inclusion in a poem published in tribute to him after this death. The relevant verse reads: “They [Ransing’s men] honored him by act and word, And to attest their feeling, They gave to him a handsome sword, Their deep love thus revealing.” The sword and its presentation are also referenced in period newspapers, one article describes it as being “magnificent…with a jeweled hilt.”

Henry Ransing Jr. (1838-1900) was Lancaster, Pennsylvania native who enlisted at the outset of the Civil War as a Private in the 79th P.V.I. Ransing took part in twenty-seven battles and eighteen skirmishes during the length of his service. He was just one of ten men in his company who survived their original enlistment. Miraculously, he was never wounded, despite being in the thick of battle for over four years. At the battle of Bentonville, his clothing was reportedly perforated by sixteen bullets.

The sword truly is magnificent, featuring an eagle’s head quillion, cast figural “Liberty” grip in high relief, a red garnet jewel on the grip’s reverse, German silver scabbard, cast gold-washed patriotic mounts, and hand-engraved embellishment throughout. A semi-precious stone once mounted on the pommel is missing, but is easily replaced. Engraved on the German silver scabbard is the inscription "Presented to / Lieut. Henry Ransing by the / Members Of Co. G 79TH P. V. V. I. As A Token Of Respect / and Friendship and for his / Gallantry displayed on all / The Battlefields In Which He Has / Participated.” The blade has a gold-washed background, Clauberg hallmark, patriotic motifs, and it in practically immaculate condition, retaining all of its original mint luster.


Impressive museum-quality sword given to a deserving officer.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Saber, Ames]