“The course of history plays out with little regard for the lives of men. Fate or ability can propel individuals to the forefront of fame and accomplishment, but rarely do the man and his deed become merged to create an image that is an icon for the ages. The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima is such an image – symbolic of the struggle and victory in the Pacific during WWII. In the same way, the plating of the American flag on the battlement of Chapultepec became symbolic of the U.S. victory in the Mexican War in 1847. The image of a brave officer leading his troops to victory was used as a frontispiece in U.S. histories, paintings, prints and even wallpaper. The Mexican War has faded into the past, as has the memory of the man who first planted the flag on the parapet during the Storming of Chapultepec and became the symbol for the entire war. Moses J. Barnard was born in 1819, the eleventh child of Cromwell and Sarah Barnard on the island of Nantucket, Mass. His grandmothers were from the famous Coffin and Joy island families. It is likely he was raised among Quakers and whaling captains. Little is known of his early life, but he joined the U.S. “Voltigeurs” in Pennsylvania on February 16, 1847, as a Captain.” This is most likely the only historic sword presented by the overwhelmingly pacifist Quaker population of Nantucket Island. Sword is an exquisite piece of workmanship retaining most of its original gold plate and brilliant blue and gold decorated blade. The presentation engraved on either side of scabbard reads: “A TESTIMONIAL, / FROM THE CITIZENS OF NANTUCKET, MASS. / OCT. 18, 1848” and “TO BREVET MAJOR MOSES BARNARD / OF THE REGIMENT OF VOLTIGEURS: / DISTINGUISHED FOR HIS GALLANTRY IN MEXICO / AND FOR PLANTING THE FIRST AMERICAN FLAG, THE COLORS OF HIS REGIMENT / ON THE PARAPET AT THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC, / SEPT. 13, 1847” The large file of provenance and history accompanying this sword tells of the short-lived history (1847-1848) of the American Voltigeur Regiment who were elite skirmishers. Copies of the numerous images made of Captain Barnard planting the flag at the pivotal battle of the Mexican War can be viewed in the provenance link on our website. Captain Barnard was indeed a national hero known all over America at this time. The Castle of Chapultepec sits atop a 200ft hill defending the approach to Mexico City. The storming of Chapultepec consisted of hand-picked troops including the Voltigeurs and a detachment of Marines. The Marines participation was immortalized in the Marine Corps Hymn which refers to Chapultepec as “The Halls of Montezuma”. Storming of Chapultepec was a heroic, glorious, bloody battle with ladders toppled and thrown up again until the American forces reached the parapet, and in hand-to-hand combat drove the Mexicans back. By 9:30, after two hours of fighting, the flag of the Voltigeurs flew above the east wall. During the attack, the color bearer was killed and Captain Barnard seized the flag, scaled the parapet and brandished the colors under terrible fire, receiving two wounds. It is this moment of courage that became an iconic symbol. Bernard was personalize cited by General Winfield Scott as “the first to plant a regimental color” and brevetted a major for “Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct at the Battle of Chapultepec”. The American troops moved on to Mexico City, which surrendered the next day. Bernard stayed in Mexico City with occupation forces until August 31, 1848 and returned home. In his absence, his friends and neighbors on Nantucket learned of his exploits and were determined to recognize his bravery. On October 21, 1848, this notice appeared in the Nantucket papers, The Inquirer and The Weekly Mirror: SWORD PRESENTATION. An interesting ceremony, without precedence on this island, took place at the Athenaeum on Wednesday evening last. The close of the course of lectures delivered at the Athenaeum by Major M. J. BARNARD, late of the Voltigeurs, upon Mexico and the incidents of the late war, was selected by several of his friends as a proper time to present him a fitting token of their personal esteem and warm appreciation of the bravery displayed by him at Chapultepec and elsewhere. An elegant SWORD was deemed the most appropriate gift to be presented to the gallant soldier. SIZE: 36-1/2″ overall. PROVENANCE: Purchased directly from family of Barnard’s friends and descendants and in Simon Handleson’s collection ever since. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please read the Conditions of Sale, section 15, for more information regarding the Endangered Species Act, and your responsibilities as a buyer. CONDITION: 30″ blade is overall bright, retaining 95% plus original gold and blue decoration, including panoply of arms. Scabbard, hilt and pommel retain most of their original gilting. Scabbard has finely chased decoration on either of side of ring mounts & drag, and a similar pattern between presentation and drag. A large American eagle with shield and rays is also engraved between ring mounts. The carved, polished bone grip has light patina. Scabbard has several small dents and scratches, and some staining around ring mounts as seen in photographs. All in all this sword shows very little wear and appears to have been well preserved since its presentation, still stored in its original chamois sleeve. 52331-1 (35,000-45,000) ESA