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Civil War Surgeon's Sword of Dr. Edwin Bentley

 By Melinda K. Johnson and  Paul R. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Contact for Dr. Paul Johnson regarding swords and images

Dr. Bentley was Brigade Surgeon and saw much action during the Peninsular Campaigns of 1862 and was captured with his patients.  Please see his CDV image with discussion and his presentation pistol.

 

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.
Dr. Bentley's sword with view of hilt and scabbard engraving at hanger-ringlets.  Notice also his presentation inscription.  Silver "M.S." in shield of the crossguard represents Medical Staff.
Dr. Bentley's sword by Ames Manufacturing Co., with beautiful caduceus etching.
Bentley's sword by Ames with "U. S. Medical Staff" and typical Ames sunray burst to the left and panolpy of arms to the right.
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.

See Dr. Bentley's Presentation Sword and Pistol

And... an article about a transfusion by Dr. Bentley

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American Civil War Surgical Antiques 

Research notes and a private collection

 Pre-1865 Civilian & Civil War Military Surgical Antiques

This site contains the personal notes and collection of private collector Michael Echols.  Dr. Echols is not a dealer and nothing on this site is for sale.   All content 'by Dr. Echols' and all photography on this Web Site is copyrighted 1995 - 2008 and may not be used on any other web site or in print without the expressed e-mail permission from Dr. Echols:  Contact   All rights reserved.  Information gladly provided to dealers, authors, magazines, archivists, museums, and researchers.  Please reference and link this website to any on-line or printed use.

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Site last updated: Thursday, April 17, 2008