The effort to restore the 48th Pennsylvania Monument at Antietam has taken another great stride forward. . . .
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This morning, artist/sculptor Mike Kraus sent me images of the clay mold he has recently completed of the sword that will soon be replaced on the General James Nagle statue. Simply stated, I am blown away by the level of detail. Indeed, this is an exact rendering of the sword Nagle was presented following his return from the Mexican-American War and of the bronze sword that was originally placed on the monument in 1904. I think you will agree with me that this is superb, stellar work. I certainly could not be happier. The next step is the bronzing!
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Although still tenative, it is looking increasingly likely that the rededication ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Stay tuned for more details.
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Nagle's Sword, on display at the Historical Society of Schuylkill County.
Mexican-American War Sketch of Captain Nagle with the sword, ca. 1848.