Beschreibung:

A beautiful M1850 Militia Staff Sword with 32" double-edged blade having 31" center fuller and etched panels of panoply of arms. Gilt brass eagle pommel with long neck with chain hanging from the eagle's mouth. Gilt brass crossguard with deeply chased panoply of arms. Silver handle. Engraved metal scabbard with chased brass bands. Between the bands is engraved an inscription: "Presented To Captain James McGrath by the Emmet Guard as a token of regard and esteem July 1851." Captain James McGrath was a New York militia officer of Irish extraction during the antebellum period. He commanded the Emmett Guards of New York City, one of several militia companies so-named that were recruited from the tide of Irish immigrants to America’s urban areas. The militia companies of the period arrayed in a dazzling display of colorful uniforms were largely itinerant social organizations that occasionally drilled, sometimes mustered for annual target practice, and always paraded for important public occasions and celebrations like Washington’s Birthday, Forth of July or St. Patrick’s Day. Collectively, all of the “Emmett Guards” honored fellow Irishman Robert Emmett, the Nationalist and Republican leader who was executed by his English captors for high treason following the Rebellion of 1803. Several references to Captain McGrath and his Emmett Guards were located dating to the period of the sword inscription: From the Proceedings of the Board of Alderman, 1849 (Vol. 15, Part I. Issue 1-42., p.231), recounting a solemn public funeral procession undertaken in July 1848 is a roster of the 10th Regiment NYSM, commanded by Col. Wm. Halsey “paraded as a Guard of Honor to the bodies of Lieutenants Chandler and Gallagher,” 1st NY Volunteers, two officers killed in battle in Mexico. The “Emmett Guards com’d by Capt. James McGrath” are Co.E, marching second in the procession line. The 1st New York Volunteers had served heroically in Mexico and contained a large percentage of Irishmen. An adjutant’s document dated Brooklyn, Nov. 8, 1850 lists “our Brooklyn companies with the names of commandants and the nights on which each company meets for drill.” Under the 14th Regt. NYSM commanded by Col. Philip S. Crook is Co. C, Emmett Guard now commanded by Capt. S.A. Dodge, meeting on Wednesday. The daybook adds that lacking a private armory, the Emmett Guards “drill in rooms over the City (Armory), in which their arms are deposited and kept in order by an armorer employed by the brigade.” The strength of the Emmett Guards is given as “68 men in 1852” when they “paraded at the Battery and were reviewed by Irish exile Thomas Meagher.” The newspaper article reported that they were “2600 Irish militia in New York City.” On March 18th 1853 The New York Times dedicated the entire front page to the lavish St. Patrick’s celebration calling it “superior to any previous observance.” Among the scheduled events of the day was a 3 o’clock oration at the Tabernacle presented by Lt. Col. Doheny on the subject of “The Irish Brigade.” The Times reported, “A large banner of the United States, and another of beautiful green silk, with the Harp of Ireland wrought in gold, floated on either side of the platform. Mr. Doheny was introduced by Capt. McGRATH amid loud cheers.” The proud Irishman was certainly wearing this presentation sword that memorable day nearly 160 years ago. Nothing more is known of Capt. McGrath and there is no record of this officer having served in the Civil War. Condition: Blade is in excellent condition with an area of light pitting. Crossguard and pommel still retain their gilt finish. Silver handle and scabbard are excellent.