Mexican War State of New Jersey presented sword to Captain William J. Montgomery. This sword, assembled by Ball Tompkins and Black of NY City is highly ornate and simply covered in fine tight engraving overall. It is likely Ames made as a high grade Militia Staff sword of the 1840 period but BT&B embellished. The faceted silver grip is engraved, the fine and ornately cast cruciform guard is chased and the langet has a silver cast state seal and a double chain form the guard, and is tied to a very fancy crested helmet pommel. The brass gilt scabbard is completely covered in very fine engraving and has very unusual suspension ring mounts in the shape of hands clasping the rings. Its blade is a typical elliptical center fuller style associated with the Militia Staff swords of the period and it is elaborately etched in very fine condition. This presentation was for Gallant conduct at a number of battles in the War with Mexico by the State of New Jersey for one of its heroes, among the more notable engagements mentioned were Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec Castle and City of Mexico, the last two major battles of the war. Because of the high sheen of the original bright gold remaining on the surfaces especially the scabbard it is very difficult to be able to adequately photograph the presentation. This sword is one of the very rare Mexican War presented examples which we have previously mentioned are probably in the order of one Mexican War presented sword for every 400 to 500 Civil War presentations.