AN AMERICAN PRESENTATION CIVIL WAR SWORD BY W. H. HORSTMANN & SONS, PHILADELPHIA, CIRCA 1865-70 with pipe-backed blade etched with laurel foliage, a tent, the motto 'E.Pluribus Unum', an American eagle, a US shield on a trophy-of-arms and oak foliage above the maker's details on one face and similar designs including a native American warrior on the reverse, the back-edge etched 'Iron Proof' (very small chips, patches of staining and light pitting), brass hilt comprising a pair of scrolling frontal bars joining the knuckle-guard, the latter rising to a cap pommel, decorated throughout with foliage in low relief and retaining traces of gilding, vertically fluted nickel grip, in its original steel scabbard with brass mounts boldly engraved with foliage on the front, the locket and middle-band fitted with a ring for suspension, and the latter with presentation inscription (the scabbard with areas of light pitting and patinated overall) 89.5 cm; 35 1/4 in blade The presentation inscription reads: 'Presented to Col. Geo. Gray by the Officers of the Mich. 6th Cavalry'. On 12th December 1862 the Michigan Cavalry Brigade was formed in Washington D.C. with Colonel George Gray commanding the 6th Regiment. In July the following year Gray fought with Brigadier General George A. Custer at the Battle of Gettysburg. Custer recalls the ability of Colonel Gray and the men of the 6th Cavalry in his action report: 'The 6th Michigan Cavalry rendered very good service by guarding both my right and left flank: also by supporting Battery 'M' under a very hot fire from the enemy's battery. Colonel Gray, commanding the regiment, was constantly seen wherever his presence was most needed and is deserving of special mention.'