Sword and scabbard of George W. Brientnall (1846-1901).
Newspaper articles have claimed that Brientnall was the "Drummer Boy of Shiloh". See Notes. At least two others were also given this name (John Clem and Joby).
From Newspaper articles: George Washington Brientnall enlisted as a drummer in the Civil War when scarcely 15 yrs old and distinguished himself as a scout and guerrilla fighter. He was promoted for making a single-handed stand against 60 of Mosby's men. One gun shot was fired so close to Brientnall that he went blind. He was taken to Phila. and a surgical operation restored his sight. He then went back to scouting and fighting. He served in the 181st Regiment Volunteers. "A couple of dramas and songs have been built about his feats." Confusion remains due to fact that others were also called the Drummer Boy of Shiloh (John Clem and Joby)
Dying at 54, Brientnall's death was hastened by his exposure and hardship suffered during the war. He suffered from spinal crippling and he finally succumbed to heart trouble and the "grippe". Buried in Lancaster Cemetery.
Presentation sword and scabbard of Civil War officer and Lancaster native, Lieutenant Jacob Pontz (1838-1929). Sword has curving steel blade with ornate, pierced brass hilt. Sword blade is etched with scrolls and foliate decoration and silvered. Scabbard is brass with engraved inscription on one side: "Presented to First Leiut. (sic) JACOB PONTZ / Co. K. 77th Reg. PVVI / at Johnsonville Tenn. June 19, 1865". Scabbard fitted with two brass mounts with strap rings, a molded "cuff" at open end and sheath-like tip (a drag) at other end. Stamped at base of blade is "W CLAUBERG" and "SOLINGEN" with a standing knight.
Provenance
Passed from Jacob Pontz (1838-1929) through his daughter Nelle Audrey Pontz (1880 - 1975), who married Maylin Joseph Pickering (1880-1954), to their son Jack (John M. Pickering 1916-2014). Bequest of the John M. Pickering estate, as stipulated in his will.
Sword blade has areas of corrosion, some heavy. Blade has lost much of its silvering on etched decoration. Copper alloy finish on body of scabbard is heavily worn/lost. Some small dents. Cuff at scabbard's open end is loose with missing small nail or brad. Nail also missing on sheath at other end.
Both sword and scabbard were coated with oil (3-in-1), then wiped down with soft cloth.
Object ID
2015.031.1
Notes
See copies of Pontz records in file. Children of Jacob Pontz and Emma Palmer Pontz are:
1. Minnie Grace Pontz
2. Mary E. Pontz Byerly (1875-1950)
3. Nelle Audrey Pontz Pickering (1880-1975)
4. Ethel Maude Pontz McCown (1884-1947)
Swordmaker Wilhelm Clauberg began operations in 1854 in Solingen, Germany.
WRZ consulted with Steve Hench, long-time antiques dealer specializing in armaments, regarding condition. Since a treatment of the scabbard finish to restore original condition is not desired, he suggested minimal treatment by coating with a fine oil (3-in-1) on both sword and scabbard. Trying to remove blade corrosion would harm etched and silvered decoration. Performed 02/23/2016.
Place of Origin
Solingen, Germany
Credit
Gift of the Estate of John M. Pickering (1916-2014)
Civil war bayonet with broken blade and bronze handle. Stamped "M" in handle. Accompanying tag reads, "picked up from Gettysburg Battlefield on July 7th, 1863 by Isaac W. Leidigh of Paradise."
Sword with scabbard. Appears to be a US Model 1850 foot or staff officer sword imported from French sword maker Klingenthal. Manufacturer's markings of Klingenthal are etched on sword edge but cannot be deciphered beyond Klingenthal. Hilt has "US" in design and blade has "US" etched on the flat.
