3-003-948 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sword of Honour presented to General M'Clellan by the City of Philadelphia, 1861. 'Messrs. Baily and Co., of Chesnut-street [sic], Philadelphia, have just completed a sword for General M'Clellan. The sword is the straight regulation Major-General's sword, the blade of fine Damascus steel, the scabbard and handle of silver, heavily gilt; the hilt is surmounted by a bald-headed eagle crushing a serpent; the grip is entwined with alternate convolutions of stars and laurel-leaves formed of diamonds and pearls. On the guard, which works on a hinge, are the General's initials, richly chased. On the upper ring-strap are the arms of the city of Philadelphia, and on the lower one those of the State of Pennsylvania. Between them is a plate with this inscription: "The City of Philadelphia to Major-General George B. M'Clellan, by authority of a resolution of its Councils, approved July 31, 1861." The whole scabbard is covered with heavy chasing'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.