c. 1800-1865

Robertson Family Sword

Three successive generations of the Robertson family used this sword. Originally, it was owned by Robert Robertson, the paternal grandfather of Civil War hero Colonel Robert S. Robertson. The elder Robertson immigrated to the United States from Scotland in 1793, settling in Argyle, New York; he was to remain there for the rest of his life. The sword was then passed down to his son, Nicholas Robertson, the father of Colonel Robertson, who used this sword during his service in the Mexican War, 1846-1848.

Finally, the sword was inherited by Robert S. Robertson who used it during the Civil War. It features an ivory grip, a brass eagle-headed pommel, and a patterned medallion knuckle guard. The slightly curved blade is decorated with gold gilding.