Item Description
Original Grouping. One-of-a-Kind. This is an extremely scarce grouping belonging to Lieutenant George H. Pratt, who according to his promotion certificate, served with the 200th New York Infantry in 1843. However, we have been unable to find any record of this unit ever existing. As there is very little available records for early New York militias, we are unable to find much on Pratt’s service.
The grouping includes Pratt’s gorgeous Eagle’s Head Officer’s sword, his 1843 Commission certificate, his gorgeous Mexican-American War shoulder epaulets, and his M1833 Cavalry spurs.
Pratt’s Eagle Head Officer’s sword is one of the most stunning examples we have offered, with gorgeous American Eagle Shield rain chapes & a fire-blued blade with gold inlay etching. The blade is in great shape with just some chips to the edge along its length. One of the two rain chapes appears to have been repaired, having broken off in the past, with two small pieces of leather in between it and the blade. The fluted bone grip is in fantastic condition with just a few chips and small chunks missing. The decorative floral handguard is still mostly tight to the hilt but the eagle head is a small bit loose. A truly phenomenal sword that is only strengthened by its identification.
The Commission Certificate is in a frame measuring roughly 11 x 14”, and states that George H. Pratt is commissioned Lieutenant in the 200th Regiment of Infantry (with rank from May 27th, 1843). The certificate is signed & “witnessed” June 19th, 1843, and is signed by both the Governor of New York William C. Bouck, and the New York Adjutant General Lyman Sanford. The back of the certificate is signed by Colonel William W. Cowdery. The certificate alone is an extremely scarce document in its own right.
The epaulets are absolutely stunning, and are a well-known model used extensively during the Mexican-American War. The horseshoe-shaped fixture at the base of each board allows the mass of coils to cascade over the shoulders. They are both affixed with Federal Eagle buttons with an I for Infantry in the center. There is a small sticker on the underside of one reading LIEUT. GEORGE H. PRATT. The soft pillows underneath are very delicate but are well retained. This is a really phenomenal pair of shoulder boards certainly worn by Pratt during the era.
The spurs are very similar to the M1833 Spurs, of which there is only a written reference to, and are in good condition overall.
We believe this grouping is named to George H. Pratt, born on September 13th, 1822 in Colesville, New York. He married Phebe Evadna Norcott, who was also born in 1822, on July 4th, 1849. He passed away on March 13th, 1882 at the age of 59, and is buried in Pratt Cemetery, in Harpursville, New York. His wife died 7 months later in October. George owned a farm on Lovejoy Road near Hickox Road. The farm was handed down to his son, Ephriam N. Pratt. This is confirmed by deeds in the possession of Ephriam's grandson, Rexford O. Pratt.
This is a truly astounding grouping, one of the best early American groups we have ever offered. Comes ready for further research and display!
Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 29¾"
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with Wide Fuller
Overall length: 34½“
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
