Lt. Col. Franklin Sawyer Presentation Sword

[Hercules]

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This sword has been in my family since the end of the Civil War. It is Lt. Col. Franklin Sawyers presentation Sword. It was given to him by his men of the 8th Ohio. I am a distant relative. It is not presently for sale. I am interested in learning about it's value. Thanks.

Brian

 

[Hercules]

This is a photo that I found of Lt Col. Franklin Sawyer. Thanks in advance for any help.

Brian

 

[UCVRelics]

VERY Nice piece, what are the cameo inserts made out of?

 

[Mike Serpa]

Here is a link to a book he wrote -

A military history of the 8th regiment Ohio vol. inf'y.: its battles, marches and army movements
by Sawyer, Franklin; Groot, George A., ed
Published 1881
https://archive.org/stream/amilitaryhistor00groogoog#page/n4/mode/2up

 

[Dilba]

Interesting that the article photo memorializes his Gettysburg charge, but the engraving doesn't mention it. Was the sword presented before Gettysburg, and thus possibly a witness to it? Great sword in any event!

 

[Hercules]

The sword was presented to him by his men during the war before Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, and other late battles. The battles listed on the sword are the early ones. I think the inlets on the sword are mother of pearl. Also, as far as the book, The History of the 8th Ohio, we have an original first edition signed by the author Franklin Sawyer. The book came with a piece of the original 8th Ohio battle flag. It is a really interesting book. Thanks for all your interest and comments.

 

[lelliott19]

@Hercules that's an amazing piece! Just beautiful!

I believe you might have more likes and comments but for the fact that the number and size of the photos attached are causing people's browsers to crash I was determined to view this thread and after multiple attempts without success, wound up searching for and locating a fairly easy "fix." Hopefully others will be able to figure it out so they too can view this amazing sword.
Thanks so much for sharing it!

 

[Hercules]

Sorry about the picture issues. They are the first I posted here. Thanks.

 

[Chris146]

What a family treasure! My great-great grandfather was Charles Wright, a lieutenant in Company H of the 8th. That gives me a deep connection to the regiment. As a long-time licensed guide at Gettysburg, it is a pleasure to stand on the position of the 8th and describe the bold charge into the flank of Pickett's Charge. I have deep admiration for Col. Sawyer and would appreciate any information that would develop him as a personality. Do you have any journals, diaries, letter home, or other documentation that would shed light on the man and his experiences? Thank you! -- Chris

 

[zburkett]

Great sword, great family treasure. For dollar value, it should go at a major auction and would surly bring five figures or possibly to the right buyer six.