Lt. John Duffey Presentation Sword and Period Documents - 1897

Description

8/2/26 - An 1897 presentation sword given to Lt. John L. Duffey of Company M, 6th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers - accompanied by period letters written by Lt. Duffey himself and period photographs of him and his company. Named, documented Spanish-American War-era groups like this rarely stay available long. We could not find information on Duffey in various databases, but his letters tell his story: addresses place him in Philadelphia, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company M, 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and he was stationed at Camp Alger in Falls Church, VA in May 1898. Before Company M, he was a member of the State Fencibles of the National Guard of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Old Guard State Fencibles (1813-1981) was raised in Philadelphia in 1813 as part of the Pennsylvania militia and continued in the National Guard until independent battalions were abolished around 1900; during the Spanish-American War the Fencibles were integrated into the 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with Company B of the Fencibles becoming Company M. The sword itself is presented to Lt. Duffey by Company D of the State Fencibles and dated August 9th, 1897 - a more decorative variation of the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, in good condition. The handle, pommel, and cross guard retain the majority of their gilding; the cross guard carries a very nice American eagle and stars design on top and a sunburst pattern underneath with exceptional gilding and minimal wear. The guard and handle have some wiggle that does not affect structural integrity. The blade carries American-themed etching on both sides, with spotty oxidation over the blade that is heaviest at the base; it does not appear to have been sharpened or polished, and no maker mark is present. The scabbard is good as well - not bent or dented, with light oxidation throughout, several fittings retaining the majority of their gilding, and a nice presentation plaque near the throat on the right side. Included are two personal letters written by Lt. Duffey in 1898 and multiple photographs all showing the same man - we assume this is Duffey, though there is no way to know with 100% certainty. A complete, named piece of Pennsylvania military history.