For a $30.00 fee, records of soldiers may be ordered online from the National Archives Records Administration (NARA).A resolution passed in April 1862 by a grateful New York Assembly conferred the sword on the Westchester County native "as a slight testimonial to his bravery in the late naval engagement at Hampton Roads." It cost the state $550, according to a New York state Civil War centennial commission. Due diligence should be practiced prior to purchasing the sword, not afterwards (I speak from experience). It is relatively easy to have inscriptions added to swords. As presentation swords tend to draw higher prices, it is inevitable that the market becomes attractive to those seeking to defraud unwitting buyers. A word of caution is warranted regarding fakes and "homemade" provenance. Any of these additional attributes related to the sword will increase the dollar amount one might expect to pay. One can generally expect swords presented to officers wounded or killed on the battlefield to command a premium, especially those swords presented to officers executing critical roles in battles, those bestowed with the medal of honor or engraved with battle honors and of other historical significance. Amongst the presentation swords highly prized by collectors are those constructed from high grade materials and those exhibiting superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Rare presentation swords would include those presented by high office or Congress. Many were presented from donations taken up by soldiers of the rank and file serving under them (in gratitude for not getting them killed) or family, relatives, and friends. Presentation swords are swords that were usually presented to officers out of respect and recognition of service or deed.
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