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IMPORTED FRENCH FIELD AND STAFF OFFICER SWORD FROM THE COLLECTION OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALLEMAN, MILITARY GOVERNOR OF GETTYSBURG

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This beautiful French sword was acquired from the collection of the Colonel and features many desirable and unique characteristics.  The 30.5” blade is adorned with intricate etchings of animals, flowers, shields, and art patterns across both sides and the reverse edge.  Some light patina has started to form but the blade retains most of its original brightness while all frosting and etching is in good condition.  A few light edge rolls toward the tip do not detract from the overall character of the fine blade.

The pierced brass basket hilt shows no tarnishing and only a light patina typical of the piece’s age.  A nice shielded eagle with unfurled flags joins the hilt, which is maker marked “E L”.  The pommel is decorated with deep reliefs of floral patterns and fills the length of the tang to meet the hilt.  Grips are tight and good condition and the wiring handle wrapping is complete. Overall length of the sword without bayonet is approximately 36”.

The brass scabbard features gilded throat, band, and tip attachments with ornate floral patterns of the type popular during the period. The gilding shows very minor oxidation in localized areas on the bands and tip but the condition is quite nice overall with virtually no tarnishing on the body of the scabbard.  Scabbard length is 32” while overall length with scabbard is approximately 37.5”.

Attorney, Military Officer. Hiram C. Alleman, Lieutenant Colonel of the 127th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers and Colonel of the 36th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, was the commanding officer of his regiment in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville in both of which he was wounded. In the Battle of Fredericksburg his Colonel was wounded and he assumed command. For three days his regiment maintained their position in the rear of the town. While holding the advanced skirmish line he was struck by a shell fragment in the right knee. He suffered a fever and was given a leave of absence by General Burnside, but refused to accept it.

Later as general officer of the picket line from Lacy House to United States Ford he made the discovery that Fredericksburg was being evacuated. Alleman's regiment was detailed to complete the pontoon bridge across the Rappahannock.

After completion of the bridge, he asked to be allowed to rejoin his regiment in the battle. He was struck with a piece of shell which broke his ribs and caused him to fall from his horse. His brigade was ordered to hold Fredericksburg. Suffering from his wound he volunteered to guard the bridge and held it until the entire command had retreated across the Rappahannock. He and his regiment were mustered out of service and he was presented with a jeweled sword bearing the inscription: Presented to Lieutenant-Colonel H.C. Alleman by the non-commissioned officers and privates of the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh regiment, as a token of their esteem.

Alleman was admired by his men as he never took a day off and volunteered his writing services to anyone who needed them. He opposed the drinking of alcohol, was a vegetarian and avoided coffee and tea. The 127th also named their encampment Camp Alleman in his honor.

When Lee advanced into Pennsylvania in June 1863, he recruited the 36th Militia Regiment and was appointed its Colonel. Under General Couch he marched his command to Gettysburg where he was made the Military Governor of the town, battlefield and hospitals. His unit was responsible for collecting the dead, wounded and lost soldiers in the area as well as equipment including muskets, blankets, wagons, horses and mules.

During this time, he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Dauphin County serving from 1864 to 1865. After leaving the Legislature he was appointed Bank Commissioner and served as a delegate to the Chicago National Convention. He also served as Chairman of the Committee from the Soldiers' Convention.

In November 1867 he moved to Philadelphia to practice law. He was married on February 7, 1872 to Emma S. Helmick, daughter of William Helmick, former member of Congress from Ohio. In spring of 1873 he was appointed Attorney of the United States for Colorado. He was also appointed Attorney General by the Territorial Legislature.

During the Civil War, he served three terms of service.

On May 1, 1861, he enlisted at the stated age of twenty-nine in Harrisburg May 1, 1861 and mustered into federal service that day as 1st lieutenant of Company E, 15th Pennsylvania Infantry. On June 22, 1861 he was assigned to a court-martial as judge advocate general and honorably discharged with his company on August 7, 1861.

On August 5, 1862, he enlisted at the stated age of thirty in Hummelstown, Dauphin County and mustered into federal service at Washington District of Columbia on August 16, 1862 as captain of Company D, 127th Pennsylvania Infantry. Later promoted to lieutenant colonel, he was honorably discharged with his company on May 29, 1863.

On July 4, 1863, he enlisted at the stated age of thirty in Harrisburg during the Gettysburg crisis, mustered into state service that day as colonel of the 36th Pennsylvania Militia and on August 11, 1863, was honorably discharged with the regiment.  [cm] [ph:L]

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