#87 • 1st Leiut. George W.F. Wood Presentation Sword by N.P. Ames

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $2,000.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

32.25" spear point blade by N.P. Ames. The blade with etched panels of Military motifs and floral designs with the Maker " N.P. Ames" near the ricasso. Deep engraved urn-shaped pommel, engraved silver grip with panels of mother of pearl. Deep raised  American Eagle on the shell of the gilt guard. The other side gilt and folding shell guard.  The "D" shaped guard. The brass gilt scabbard, engraved "1st Lt George W. F. Wood, lst Reg Infantry United  States Army: From His Fellow Citizens Of  Philadelphia, Monterey Sept 1846". The scabbard with deep engraved Panoply of arms and scroll engraving.  This sword is listed in the book of The Ames Sword Company1829-1935 as being made in 1846 and costing $120. This sword is in excellent condition overall. The blade is almost in mint condition, the guard and scabbard retain most of the gilt finish with some thinning.  All markings and engraving is sharp and crisp. This is a excellent sword.  Comes with a packet of information.  George W.F. Wood was a distinguished officer in the U.S. Army. Commissioned out of Pennsylvania as a Second Lieutenant into the 1st U.S. Infantry in 1838, Wood cut his teeth in the dense swamps of Florida during the Second Seminole War. Following the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, Lieutenant Wood was deployed south with the 1st Infantry, serving under the command of General Zachary Taylor and later General Winfield Scott.  Wood distinguished himself repeatedly under heavy fire notably during the actions around Mexico City. He received a Brevet promotion to Major for his gallantry and meritorious conduct at the pivotal battles of Contreras and Churubusco. Following the war, Wood was formally promoted to Captain in 1850. He died in 1854 from diseases contracted during his intense field deployments. His legacy was permanently institutionalized in Texas history when the U.S. Army established Camp Wood in 1857, named in posthumous honor of his brave service. This presentation sword represents the exact window of his career, presented to him by fellow citizens or comrades shortly after his heroic actions in Mexico