High-grade, presented M1860 Staff and Field Officer's sword. Columbus, Ohio: M. C. Lilley, ca. 1893. Blade produced [Solingen, Germany: Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co, n.d.]

30 1/16 in. double-edged, spear-point blade with 2 stopped fullers. Overall 37 7/8 in. Ricasso etched "Made by the / M. C. Lilley +  / Co. / Columbus, Ohio". Ricasso reverse stamped with a WKC badger. Overall acid-etched and gold washed with geometric patterns, patriotic motifs, and the inscription: "Presented to Colonel T. C. Taliaferro. / by his friends, Tampa, Fla. 1893." Silver grip with 13 wraps of braided wire. Brass grip decorated with arrow-headed lightning bolts. Complete in nickel scabbard.

The sword is in very fine shape. Its blade exhibits a subtle dark patina and the gold wash is worn, albeit still present. The kidney-shaped folding counter-guard is held in place and is immobile.

Further research may reveal details as to the identity of this sword's recipient. Colonel T.C. Taliaferro is identified by Tampa newspapers as serving as the State Midwinter Fair Association's Treasurer around the end of the 19th century. The name Thomas Carson Taliaferro (1859-1928), president and later board member of the First National Bank and namesake for the T. C. Taliaferro house, appeared in local papers concurrently, though at the time of this research was never found to have been prefixed "Colonel," nor identified as the Fair's treasurer.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

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