Lt. John Duffey Presentation Sword and Period Documents - 1897

Description

8/2/26 - Here we have a presentation sword as given to a Lt. John L. Duffey of Company M, 6th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers in 1897. In addition to the sword, there are period letters written by Lt. Duffey and period photographs of him and his company. We could not find any information on John L. Duffey in various databases, but we can infer some information about him based on his letters. He appears to have been from Philadelphia, PA based on the addresses of his letters. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in Company M, 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was stationed in Camp Alger at Falls Church, VA in May of 1898. Prior to his assignment to 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 a military organization raised in Philadelphia in 1813 as part of the Pennsylvania militia and continued as a unit in the National Guard until independent battalions were abolished around 1900. During the Spanish-American War, the State Fencibles were integrated into the Pennsylvania 6th Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Company B of the State Fencibles became Company M of the 6th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

The sword is presented to Lt. John L. Duffey by Company D of the State Fencibles of the National Guard of Pennsylvania and dated August 9th, 1897. It appears to be a more decorative variation of a Model 1860 Light Calvary Saber. The sword is in good condition. The handle, pommel, and cross guard have the majority of the gilding intact. The cross guard has a very nice American eagle and stars design to the top portion and a sunburst pattern on the under side showing exceptional gilding and minimal wear here. The cross guard and handle piece do have some wiggle to it but does not appear to influence the sword's structural integrity in any way. The blade has American-themed etching on both sides. There is a large amount of spotty oxidation over the entire blade, and is especially heavy over the base of the blade. The blade does not appear to have been sharpened or polished. There is no maker mark present. The scabbard is also in good condition. it is not bent dented. There is light oxidation on the scabbard throughout. There are a few gilded pieces on the scabbard that still hold the majority of their gilding. There is a nice presentation plaque on the scabbard's right side near the throat.

This listing also comes with two personnel letters written by Lt. John L. Duffey in 1898 and multiple photographs that all include the same man. We have to assume this man is John Duffey but there is no way to 100% know for sure.