According to available information, George H. Priest was born 1865 in Hillsboro, New Hampshire and settled in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The first record for Priest in a military context is entries as a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts circa 1888, with a commission as a Major in the in the 6th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry on May 6, 1898 for the Spanish-American War. The 6th saw service in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and would muster out on January 21, 1899 in Boston. Records indicate that Priest's career continued with the 6th, reaching the rank of Brigadier General. The consignor has supplied photocopies of the original muster forms from the 6th during their Spanish War service, as well as a mounted photograph of an infantry officer on horseback, presumably Priest, with a "6" badge on his horse blanket and a sword nearly identical to Item #1 in this lot. 1) Staff Sword, 39 inches overall with a 33 3/4 inch etched single fuller blade with "Major George H. Priest" on the right, merchant mark and "11 01" on the ricasso, gilt brass hilt, wire wrapped sharkskin grip and a nickel finished steel sheath with brass fittings and "Major George H. Priest" etching. 2) Ames Sword Company Staff & Field Sword, 36 1/4 inches overall with a 29 3/4 inch straight blade, showing gold washed patriotic etching on both sides and "George H. Priest, from friends/Feb.28th 1890." on the right. Gilt brass hilt, with a folding reverse-guard, American eagle designs on the counter-guard and pommel, floral decoration, and a metal wrapped grip. With a nickel finished sheath, fitted with pierced-through gilt brass suspension bands and tip. 3) U.S. Model 1902 Sword, 37 inches overall with a 31 1/2 etched single fuller blade, marked "Lieut.Col.G.H.Priest" on the right, with a nickel finished 3-branch guard, grooved horn grip, and a nickel finished scabbard with suede cover. 4) One pair of brown leather men's riding boots, unmarked, with a set of American military style spurs and a pair of boot jacks. 5) Framed commission paperwork, from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for Priest's commission as Major in the 6th in 1898.

1) Fine, with some light handling marks and spotting on the steel, a well aged patina on the brass, 2 screws absent from the tip, and mild handling marks overall. 2) Excellent, with some well aged brass showing on the high points of the gilt components and mild handling marks overall. 3) Excellent, with mild handling marks and spotting. 4) Very good, with some cracking and scuffing. 5) Good, with some water staining on the edges and mild handling marks. The seal is solid and the writing is clear. The frame shows some damage and cracking.