This beautiful Tiffany & Co. presentation sword as a 32 inch Collins & Co. blade with deeply etched panels of a classic arms, a large "U.S." and scroll patterns with gilt finish. The left ricasso is marked "COLLINS & CO./HARTFORD/CONN./1862," and "TIFFANY/& Co/N.Y." is part of the etched designs above the right ricasso. The gilt brass hilt has a lion mask finial, "US" on the guard, floral patterns, an armorial themed pommel, twisted silver knuckle bow, and silver grip with silver wire. The dress hilt is silver and gilt brass with silver fittings and extensive classical, martial, floral, and patriotic designs and includes the "Presented to/LIEUT. SAMUEL P. FERRIS,/8th Regt. U.S. Infty for gallant services/before PORT HUDSON,/as Colonel 28th Connt Regt U.S. Vols./from friends at home/Stamford, Conn. 1863." The sword comes in a fitted presentation case along with a browned field scabbard with gilt fittings. The case also contains a gold sword knot, maroon officer's sash, and dress belt with hangers. This incredible sword was presented to Lieutenant Samuel Peters Ferris (1829-1883) of the regular U.S. Army. A large binder of research on Ferris is included. He served as a colonel of volunteers and commanded the 28th Connecticut Infantry during the Civil War. He was a graduate of West Point in 1861 and fought at first Bull Run in command of Company C of the 8th U.S. Infantry. He received a leave of absence to organize a volunteer regiment and was commissioned as the colonel of the 28th Connecticut Volunteers in November 1862 and led them in the attack on Port Hudson, Louisiana, on May 27, 1863, took command of a brigade on June 3, and led the assault on June 14th. He was present for the Confederate surrender and was noted for his gallant and meritorious service which earned him a brevet promotion to captain in the regular army. The Hartford Courant reported on August 15, 1863, that "Col. Ferris, of the 28th C.V., arrived home last week, having left Brashear City on the 13th July. The Colonel is suffering from a severe chronic disease, contracted while on duty, and which necessitated his return home in advance of his regiment. The 28th Connecticut mustered out at the end of August in 1863, and the sword was likely presented that month. Ferris soon rejoined the 8th U.S. Infantry and served as a battalion commander and fought in the trenches at Petersburg and the Battle of Boydton Plank Road. For his actions at the latter, he received a brevet promotion to major. When the U.S. Army was reorganized in 1866, Ferris was promoted to captain in the 30th U.S. Infantry and served in the West during the Indian Wars, including the Bighorn Expedition in 1876 and expeditions to intercept the Cheyennes in 1878-1879 in command of the 5th U.S. Cavalry, and against the White River Utes in 1879-1880. He was recommended for a brevet promotion to lieutenant colonel but was denied. He died on February 4, 1882, at Fort Russell, Wyoming, from "acute gastritis" and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut. His widow, Frances H. Ferris, lived in Illinois after his death and died in 1927 in Wheaton, Illinois. The sword was was still in her home when it was purchased in the 1950s. Provenance: The Michael Simens Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Exceptionally fine overall. In 2000, the set was professionally cleaned by The Deller Conservation Group after nearly 50 years in a private collection as detailed in an included report. The sword and scabbards are very fine and exhibit only light age and storage wear. The etching and other designs and markings remain crisp throughout, including the historical presentation inscription to Colonel Samuel P. Ferris. The very fine case was cleaned, had some of the lining hide glued, had a new brass latch bolt made and aged to match, a chip repaired, and was oiled and waxed. The belt buckle, sash, and sword knots are proper replacements. The belt is original and has been cleaned and repaired.