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Armistead Sword

Sword and scabbard carried by General Lewis Armistead at the battle of Gettysburg.
Object Name Sword
Catalog Number 0985.13.00078a
Description Model 1850 U.S. Foot Officer's Sword: slightly curved, single-edged blade with two fullers, blade etched with floral sprays and military trophies, eagle and "US"; gilded brass hilt with guard decorated with pierced design of floral sprays, knuckle bow pierced for sword knot near pommel which is decorated on forward edge with oak leaves; wood grip covered with shagreen and twisted wire. Leather scabbard (.78b) with brass mounts.
Dimensions W-5.5 L-33.5 D-3 inches
Owned Lewis A. Armistead; Michael Specht; Thomas D. Jeffress
Owner Regiment Specht: 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Co. K
Event Battle of Gettysburg
Provenance Brig. Gen. Lewis Addison Armistead carried this sword and scabbard during the war. He used it when he was leading his brigade as part of Pickett's Charge. Upon leaping the stone wall near the colors of the 72nd Pennsylvania, Armistead fell mortally wounded. Sgt. Michael Specht, of Co. K, 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry, picked up the sword with scabbard and kept them until he, with the 72nd Pennsyvlania Infantry, gave them to the 56th Virginia Infantry (Capt. Thomas D. Jeffress as commander) at the "Reunion of the Blue and Gray" at Gettysburg on September 15, 1906 on the spot where Armistead fell. The 56th Virginia gave the sword and scabbard to the Museum with the statement that Armistead's heirs had claim to the items. Armistead's grandsons laid claim but donated the sword and scabbard fully in 1907.

https://acwm.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/98E8EDD6-3A5D-40EE-B0F1-115157246450

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