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REMARKABLE SWORD IDENTIFIED TO GEORGE WILLIAM GORDON (1801-1877), US CONSUL TO BRAZIL (1840-46) AND SLAVE TRADE OPPONENT

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A remarkable sword manufactured by W.H. Horstmann & Co., New York after the Model 1834 US Revenue Cutter/Marine sword. Neatly engraved on the reverse folding guard, “Geo. Wm. Gordon / United States Consul”.

Born on February 8, 1801 in Exeter, NH, George William Gordon served as Postmaster of Boston, (1836-1841), served on the Governor's Board Public Institutions (1843-1846), United States consul at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and in 1856 was a candidate for governor of Massachusetts. Gordon died on November 19, 1877 in Boston.

In researching this remarkable American we came across a publication about his deeds published in 1856 when he was running for Governor of Massachusetts (he placed a distant third).  The Record of Geo. W. Gordon details the slave trade in Rio de Janeiro and the seizure of slave vessels and conviction of slave traders with the assistance of Gordon. A truly remarkable story regarding the last vestiges of the slave trade not only in South America but in African and the US. The text of this book can be read here.

The folding guard is formed with a beautiful wing spread eagle atop a patriotic shield and is hinged to a straight acanthus leaf decorated bar guard – all identical to the M1834. The grip instead of the silver style seen on the M1834 is four panels of mother of pearl secured by brass trim. The pommel cap also varies from the M1834, being a similar shape but with a patriotic shield on each side with stars surrounding. The blade is oval in cross section and thin and measures approx. 30” long x .75” wide. It is in very good condition with etchings of a fouled anchor, crossed flags with liberty cap, and the normal scroll / vine designs.

The brass mounted scabbard has a Horstmann maker's plaque on the reverse side of the throat and is engraved with an American eagle with an arc of stars above. The drag has oak leaves and acorns on the obverse side. The top mount also has the normal frog button intact. The black leather body of the scabbard is very fine.

Accompanied by brief amount of research material.[ss] [ph:L]

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