Here is an exceptional grouping. This is the sword, war-date photograph, medical officer's sash, belt and buckle identified to Surgeon William J. McDermott, 17th New York Cavalry. The centerpiece of this grouping is a wonderful Tiffany of New York presentation sword. This impressive imported presentation sword is crafted with a silver plated hilt, gilt plate, etched panoplies of arms on ricasso, followed by floral reliefs and crossed cannons. The etching on the blade lets us know that it was made by the German firm of P. D. Luneschloss of Solingen. On the back side of the scabbard it is clearly stamped "Tiffany & Co," with "MS" indicating that it was for the "Medical Service". Between the middle mount and the drag it reads in jeweler quality engraving, "Presented to W. J. McDermott. Surgeon U.S. Vols. / by / his Friends in the 1st Assembly district of Westchester County / New York." You can tell that this sword was one he actually used and didn't just hang on the wall. The next piece is an albumen photograph taken in the field, likely dating to McDermott's service with 3rd New York Infantry Regiment, it is inscribed just below the image, "Surgeon McDermott, Asst Surg Van Rensselaer & Servant." The trio poses in front of McDermott's tent, with his trunk bearing initials "W. J. Mc. D." visible to the viewer's right. He has a sword across his lap and it could be this sword but we can't say for sure. The image itself measures 7-5/8ths inches by 5-5/8ths inches and the albumen photograph mounted to the cardstock and framed to 14-3/4ths inches by 11-3/4ths inches in size. It also has his model leather sword belt with brass keeper and cast brass Model 1851 eagle buckle. The buckle and keeper have matching assembly numbers and it has his initials on the back of the plate itself. There is a crude tape repair to a split in one of the leather hangers. The sword hangers are present with brass sword snap hooks (one non-functioning). It also has the rare medical sash in the classic green color. It measures 92 inches in length by 4-1/4th inches at the widest point. It displasy well with some discoloration and toning, with areas of wear to edges and a few holes/losses to sash body. William James McDermott (1830-1904) was born in Portland, Maine, receiving his early and postsecondary education in St. John, New Brunswick, graduating from King's College in 1847. He entered the Medical Department at the University of New York in 1849, and graduated from that institution in 1852. He then took an extended trip to Europe, visiting and studying hospitals there until returning to the United States to begin practicing medicine in Westchester, New York, where he practiced until being elected a Member of Assembly for the state in 1860. McDermott answered the first call for troops at the outbreak of the Civil War, resigning his seat in the assembly and enlisting in the Union Army as a surgeon on 19 April 1861. He spent the most continuous time with the 66th New York Infantry regiment, but served shorter stints with the 6th and 3rd NY Infantry Regiments, along with the 17th NY Cavalry Regiment. He was reportedly with Colonel Ellsworth when Ellsworth was shot at Alexandria, and he assisted in the amputation of General Oliver O. Howard's arm at the Battle of Fair Oaks. He participated in the Battle of the Wilderness, being left in charge of the wounded and subsequently captured. As a result, he spent a short time at Libby Prison before being paroled. McDermott was mustered out of service with the rank of brevet major on 21 October 1865. Notably, in his obituary in the Boston Evening Transcript, McDermott is also reported as being a personal friend of Presidents Lincoln and Grant. After the war, McDermott returned to Westchester to renew his practice after the war. He was a member of the Medical Societies of Westchester County and the state of New York, and for 20 years was a physician of the Sacred Heart Academy. The grouping is accompanied by several copies of research on McDermott and his service.

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