Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Brigadier General John P. Hatch by Officers of the 5th New York and 1st Vermont Cavalry on October 31st, 1862
- Description
- John Porter Hatch was a West Point graduate and career Army officer. He was in command of a division when he was wounded at the Battle of South Mountain in September, 1862. He received a Medal of Honor for his conduct during the battle. The inscription on this sword indicates it was presented for the same action.
- The blade of this sword is long, slightly curved, and single-edged. The fuller is broad and shallow, and extends about three quarters of the way to the top of the blade. The blade is heavily pitted, especially near the base, but the silver chasing decorations on both sides are still fairly visible. On the reverse, military trophies and a "US" monogram are visible, along with a group of floral sprays. The obverse is similarly decorated without a monogram. The grip of the sword is cylindrical, and is covered in engravings of scroll designs. On the obverse is a medallion with an eagle and a banner reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and on the reverse there is a blank medallion. The pommel of the sword is vase shaped, and covered with laurel leaves and a basic tile pattern. The knuckle guard is a gold metal strip that branches off in two places. These branches form the counterguard, which features the two additional strips of metal connected by scroll and floral castings and a "US" monogram. All of this terminates in a scroll shaped quillon.
- The scabbard is painted and has three mounts. Each mount is gold with a silver medallion in the center. The medallion on the top features an eagle with an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner. The medallion on the second mount features an image of Columbia, and the bottom medallion features an engraving of a classical figure. All of these medallions are surrounded by scroll designs. The inscription on the reverse of the top mount reads “TO / Brigr. Genl. J.P. Hatch, / from / Officers of the 5th New York / and 1st Vermont Cavalry / Oct. 31st 1862.” There are two carrying rings, one on the right side of the top and middle mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- recipient
- Hatch, John Porter
- maker
- W. Clauberg
- date made
- ca 1862
- date presented
- 1862-10-31
- Credit Line
- Mark Burckle Hatch
- Physical Description
- metal, gilt (scabbard material)
- steel (blade material)
- metal (hilt material)
- Measurements
- blade: 33 1/4 in x 1 1/8 in; 84.455 cm x 2.8575 cm
- scabbard: 34 1/4 in x 2 in; 86.995 cm x 5.08 cm
- overall: 39 1/2 in x 5 3/4 in; 100.33 cm x 14.605 cm
- Object Name
- sword
- Other Terms
- Edged Weapons; Presentation
