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M 1840 Medical Staff Sword inscribe
to Dr. Edwin Bentley, Brigade Surgeon. This Ames Surgeon's Sword is
unusual in that it exhibits very simple scabbard furniture and
fittings. In fact, rather than the applied devices which hold the
hanger-ringlets, they are simply and elegantly applied directly to
the scabbard, and decorative engraving surrounds the scabbard in
these areas. Also, the drag is simply applied with similar
engraving. |
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Dr. Bentley initially was Surgeon
for the 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery Regiment. He was commissioned
Brigade Surgeon in early 1862, from whence this presentation sword
was given to him.
As per discussion with his CDV
image, Dr. Bentley served in this capacity, commanding 4 or more of
the receiving Hospitals in Alexandria, Virginia. Unfortunately,
whilst there, he had to treat his wife's critical illness, to which
she sadly succumbed. Dr. Bentley was a career Army Surgeon, and is
credited with delivering Douglas MacArthur at a Army post. Dr.
Bentley was one of the first physicians to record a successful blood
transfusion and ligation of major arteries for hemorrhage during the
Civil War. He is buried under an impressive headstone at Arlington
National Cemetery. |
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