The auction will be the first time this civil war-era Tiffany sword has been offered

A magnificent US civil war-era Tiffany presentation sword is expected to provide one of the main draws in an Ohio auction on October 26.

Friends awarded the sword for "gallant services before Port Hudson"

The sword was presented to the career officer Captain Samuel P Ferris of the8th infantry regiment, also known as the Fighting Eagles. Ferris served during the American civil war as well as the 1876 Sioux campaign, and was twice brevetted for his gallantry during this service.

The Tiffany sword was presented to him in 1863 for his "gallant services before the Port Hudson" by a number of his friends at home. Passed down through Ferris' family, it has never been seen at auction before and offers a rare opportunity to acquire a fresh to the market piece.

A spectacular example, the sword features a 32 inch blade with a slight curve, with deeply etched panels towards the hilt. It boasts a silver spiral handle, itspommel decorated with a Roman torso and helmet of gilt cast brass. Its gilt brass scabbard is engraved with a banner reading Tiffany & Co, with the inscription from his friends in Stamford, Connecticut on the reverse.

The sword was professionally conserved by the Dellar Conservation Group in November 2000.

Accompanying are Captain Ferris' complete military and pension records, which were obtained from the National Archives, along with two copies of photographs showing Ferris in his military uniform. The lot is expected to sell for $45,000-65,000, a reflection of the growing demand for civil war artefacts.

Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering an extremely rare autograph of US general George Armstrong Custer, who famously led his men to defeat at the battle of Little Bighorn. For more of the latest news on militaria collecting, visit our dedicated Medals & Militaria news section.