The Civil War was one of our country's darkest moments and remains the deadliest war in American history, but in that period of blood and loss, many millions of men heroically responded to the call to arms and were supported by men and women in varying industries across the country. While most of the armament manufacturers' work was focused on the production of arms for combat, small numbers of high grade swords, revolvers, and rifles were commissioned by both influential leaders and common soldiers to pay respect to officers and others who earned their respect. Some of these have become iconic examples of the finest work of companies such as Colt, Tiffany & Co., Ball & Black, and others, and this sword is among the finest of Tiffany & Co.’s workmanship from the era. The pommel is a gilded facsimile of George Washington’s head. The knuckle guard has silver medallions of Hercules in raised relief on either side. The silver grip is octagonal and has plain oval panels for inscriptions surrounded by engraved floral work. The crossguard has draped curtain style languets with "U/S" and terminates in ram heads. The scabbard has high relief florally decorated mounts including the drag which has a floral tip and 4 inch fasces in raised relief. The approximately 32 1/2 inch blade is etched in the high grade motifs with gold highlights and backgrounds and include an infantryman on the left and a Zouave on the right along with floral, martial, and patriotic motifs. "TIFFANY/&CO/NY" is on the right side of the blade near the base. The blue velvet lined case also contains a general officer’s gold sash with high grade bouillon stripes. The bottom of the case has a paper label marked: "H. W. BIRGE,/Brig. Gen'l U.S.V./NORWICH, CONN." Henry Warner Birge (1825-1888) was born in Hartford and was serving as an aide to Connecticut Governor William A. Buckingham, his uncle, and was living in Norwich when the war broke out. Birge originally served as a major in the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, organized the 4th Connecticut Volunteers (the first three year regiment raised in the state), was appointed as a colonel in the 13th Connecticut Infantry, commanded the defenses at New Orleans after the city was captured, served under General N.P. Banks during the first Red River Campaign and was promoted by Banks to brevet brigadier general and placed in command of the 3rd Brigade in the 4th Division of the XIX Corps, commanded the volunteers at Port Hudson during which the 13th Connecticut volunteered to join him in the assault, became a full brigadier general upon his uncle's recommendation in September 1863, participated in the second Red River Campaign and General Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign, and took command of the district of Savannah after its capture until his resignation in November of 1865. He established himself as a businessman, cotton planter, and lumber dealer there and then moved to New York City where he died in 1888.

Very fine overall. The blade is bright and retains the vast majority of its gilt and has some small spots of staining and pitting. 95% of the original gilt remains on the various fittings which have generally only minor marks and scratches. The silver grip has an attractive aged patina and a few dents concentrated at the top. The case is in very good overall condition aside from the absent escutcheon on the lid and has general small scrapes. The interior has mild wear including some loosening of the edges of the lining and the middle mount. The pillowed upper lining has some tears and is bulged. The sash is very good and is sound and solid as are it knots and tassels. This is an outstanding and impressive sword worthy of the finest collection.