Lot 1128

Pettibone Bros. Mfg. Co. Presentation Sword and Scabbard

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Pettibone Bros. Mfg. Co. Presentation Sword and Scabbard

Estimate: $1,400 - $2,250

Starting Bid: $1,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Documented Pettibone Bros. Mfg. Co. Presentation Silver and Gold Officer's Sword and Scabbard Inscribed to Captain J. Barkley Fisher This presentation sword is based on the Model 1860 Staff Officer sword and features a 30 inch blade decorated with etched patriotic and martial motifs, "U.S." in a nitre blue panel on one side along with "THE/PETTIBONE/BROS/MFG. Co." in a banner, "Capt. J. Barkley Fisher" in a nitre blue panel on the other side, gilt brass hilt with silver grip and a gold inlaid escutcheon on the folding languet, and a silvered metal scabbard with gilt brass fittings and "PRESENTED/TO/ CAPT. J. BARKLEY FISHER/BY CO. D. 8TH REGIMENT N. G. P./SHENANDOAH, PA. SEPT. 27TH 1902" inscribed between the bands. As noted in the extensive accompanying documentation, the sword was presented to Captain John Barkley Fisher (1866-1939) at a ceremonial dinner on September 27, 1902, as published in the Altoona Morning Tribune on September 29, 1902 (article copy included). Fisher joined Company D of the 8th Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard when it was mustered into service on May 12, 1898, and served as a 1st LT in the Spanish-American War (Puerto Rican Expedition) from June 28 through November 16, 1898, under the command of General Nelson Miles. He became commanding officer of Company D in 1900, serving as Captain beginning in November of that year. His unit was stationed in Duryea, Pennsylvania during the Anthracite Coal Strikes of 1902, which saw one of the largest military mobilizations in Pennsylvania since the Civil War, as Governor William Stone deployed the entire State National Guard to the coalfields due to the great upheaval created by this massive strike. Often referred to as "The Great Coal Strike of 1902", it was one of the most turbulent in United States history with its many killings and violence. It ultimately involved major political and business leaders, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who personally intervened and oversaw the federal and state response and negotiations. Coal company owners such as J. P. Morgan were also heavily involved, with Morgan leading their response and working hand-in-hand with President Roosevelt and his Cabinet officers. Documentation includes numerous newspaper article copies concerning Capt. Fisher, and a detailed history of his military service, his civilian career in the railroad industry and his life and family.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: Very fine overall with strong original gold remaining the protected areas and otherwise attractively aged patina on the brass mounts, essentially all of the silver remaining and displaying dark aged patina, some areas of pitting on the otherwise bright blade which retains strong original nitre blue finish and distinct etching, and fairly minor overall wear mainly from age and storage. An exceptional piece of American history!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000