This exceptional sword's pattern, including the scabbard, is pictured in Schuyler, Hartley & Graham's 1864 "Illustrated Catalogue of Arms and Military Goods" on page 30 as a rich presentation sword for general officers, and a similar presentation sword belt is pictured on page 46. The hilt has Columbia rendered in silver and gold plunging a spear into the mouth of the serpent that forms the knuckle guard. The snake most likely represents the Confederacy which was represented as a snake in some political cartoons in the North. A cornucopia is to Columbia's left symbolizing America's abundance. The 31 3/4 inch blade has a central fuller and is etched with intricate martial designs among which are a battle scene and Liberty/Columbia on the right. The left side has "Solingen" in script on the ricasso and "SCHUYLER/HARTLEY/& GRAHAM/N.Y." etched just above. The scabbard is silver and gilt and has a gorgon/Medusa's face and scrollwork around a drum and other martial designs at the upper rings, Athena at the lower suspension ring, flags and more scroll patterns at the drag, and the following historical inscription between the suspension rings: "Presented to/COL. J.M. NEIBLING/by the/Non Commissioned Officers & privates/of the 21st Rgt O.V.I./STONE RIVER/'Give them Hell by the Acre Boys.'" A research paper by Civil War researcher and editor Nancy Dearing Rossbacher is included providing details of Colonel James M. Neibling's life and his service to our country during the Civil War. The sources she cites also provide additional details. Neibling was a pro-slavery Democrat employed as a sheriff in Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio, before the war and helped organize the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a three-month unit at the outbreak of the war and was appointed lieutenant colonel. The unit was re-organized for a three-year enlistment on September 19, 1861. He was promoted to colonel on December 20, 1862. The quote at the bottom of the inscription is Neibling's own from the action at Stone's River. The Battle of Stone's River began just 11 days after Neibling's promotion to colonel and is directly referenced in the inscription. During the battle, Neibling was in command and the 21st was the only unit to capture enemy artillery and captured 3-4 cannons depending on the source. Neibling's report on the battle is included in the research and details the intense fighting he and his men faced including driving the enemy back past their artillery positions and routing them. He praises his men and various officers for their bravery. They lost 24 men in the battle and also reported 109 wounded and 26 missing. A January 27, 1863, report of the action in the "Indianapolis Daily Journal" heaped praise upon Neibling. During the battle, Neibling is recorded as instruction his men: "give them hell by the acre boys!" Neibling's right arm was shattered on May 28, 1864, during the Battle of Dallas (Georgia), and the arm was ultimately lost to amputation. He was not honorably discharged until December 6, 1864, and apparently worked on recruiting after his injury. He has been reported as very popular with his men but received some criticism from other officers for loose discipline and dirty arms among his men. He also caused some stir by forcing his men to return slaves to their owners. He died on February 21, 1869. The 21st also fought in numerous battles throughout the whole of the war and took part in the Grand Review before mustering out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 25, 1865. As laid out in Rossbacher's research, at least two publications detail the presentation but give slightly different dates. According to "History of Hancock County, Ohio" published in 1886, "In June, 1863, Col. Neibling was presented by his regiment with a magnificent sword and spurs, costing nearly $500, as a mark of their esteem and confidence in him as a commander." $500 in the 1860s would be around $10,000 today adjusted for inflation. According to Silas B. Canfield's "History of the 21st Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion," on May 27th, 1862, his men "presented him with an elegant sword and a pair of spurs," and the presentation was personally made by George W. Watson of Company A. The sword and scabbard come in an original Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham marked wooden display case that also contains a half plate (4 1/4 by 5 1/2 inch) portrait of Neibling with golden tinted buttons and sword handle, a golden sword knot, and a partial sword belt.

Exceptionally fine with essentially only mild handling and storage wear and light tarnishing and aging of the silver and gold. The etching and various designs remain distinct. The case has moderate storage wear including some scrapes and dings in the wood, chipped tip on one of the latches, and partially loose divider inside. The portrait is very fine and remains distinct. There are some specks throughout and minor wear on the outer frame. The sword belt is fair and incomplete, and the buckle and sword knot are fine with moderate storage wear. This elegant sword's condition, rarity, compliment of accessories, and historical inscription truly make it one of the finest swords we have ever had the pleasure of bringing to auction.