Treasure Trove Auctions
Live Auction

DAY 1: Historic Arms & Armor: Revolutionary America

Sat, Jul 18, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 726

Imperial Iranian Presentation Sword to U.S. Army Captain H.H. Smith by General Minbashian

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000

This exceptional Imperial Iranian presentation sword is a highly decorative and historically significant presentation arm awarded to Captain H. H. Smith of the U.S. Army. The sword measures approximately 39 1/2 inches overall with a 33 inch blade and retains its original sheath. The blade bears a remarkable engraved presentation inscription reading: "Awarded to Captain H. H. Smith of the U.S. Army by General Minbashian and officers of the 1st Infantry Brigade, Imperial Iranian Army, as a sign of our gratitude and hope that he should not forget us." This personal inscription transforms the sword from a beautiful Middle Eastern edged weapon into a powerful diplomatic and military presentation piece, directly connecting an American officer with officers of the Imperial Iranian Army.

The sword itself is wonderfully appointed, featuring a decorated hilt, original grip with its wire wrapping intact, a mounting ring at the base of the pommel, and an ornate D-guard with visible maker's mark and decorative detailing. The blade displays a strong presentation surface with the engraved English inscription clearly visible, while the hilt and guard retain an attractive aged finish. The accompanying sheath is equally impressive, with a richly decorated exterior that adds greatly to the sword's formal presentation character. The presence of Middle Eastern or Islamic-style script and regional decorative elements further reinforces the sword's Iranian origin and cross-cultural military significance.

Presentation swords were historically awarded as symbols of gratitude, alliance, honor, and remembrance. This example is especially compelling because the inscription explicitly names both the American recipient and the presenting body: General Minbashian and officers of the 1st Infantry Brigade, Imperial Iranian Army. The wording, expressing gratitude and the hope that Captain Smith "should not forget us," suggests a meaningful moment of military cooperation, personal recognition, or advisory service between U.S. Army personnel and Imperial Iranian forces. Such named and inscribed presentation swords offer tremendous research potential, especially when tied to identifiable officers, units, and international military relationships.

This is a fantastic and highly displayable piece of military presentation history. The original sheath, engraved named inscription, decorated hilt, intact grip wiring, maker's mark, ornate D-guard, pommel mounting ring, and direct U.S. Army and Imperial Iranian Army association all combine to create a sword with exceptional story, presence, and collector appeal. A superb offering for collectors of presentation swords, Middle Eastern edged weapons, Imperial Iranian military artifacts, U.S. military diplomatic memorabilia, named officer pieces, and cross-cultural military history.

Dimensions: Approximately 33 inch blade, 39 1/2 inches overall.

Condition

★ ★ ★ ★
Very Good/Fine - Shows light to moderate wear, may have minor imperfections. A very fine example of the collectible. May also be labelled as Collector Quality.

 

Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.

 

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay

If you have not contacted Treasure Trove Auctions 512-221-2540 to arrange payment within 3 days of the time that invoice is sent, we will charge the credit card you used to register for the auction for the amount of your invoice.

Treasure Trove Auctions offers both in-house and third-party shipping options to accommodate a variety of items. While we strive to handle shipping internally, items that are oversized, fragile, framed, or require specialized handling may be outsourced to a trusted third-party shipping agent. All shipping costs are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Shipping Process & Costs In-house packaging and shipping are available for many items, with shipping quotes based on the size and weight of the package as determined by the carrier or Treasure Trove. All shipments include insurance and signature confirmation when applicable. Domestic shipments are handled through UPS, while international orders are processed via DHL, FedEx, UPS, or whichever is most cost effective for the buyer. Additionally, items will be insured and declared at their full purchase value, including the hammer price plus premium. Our White Glove Shipping Service – An Unboxing Experience Like No Other At Treasure Trove Auctions, we understand that rare collectibles deserve more than just a standard shipping box—they deserve an experience. That’s why we offer our exclusive White Glove Shipping Service, designed for collectors who appreciate the finer details. With this premium shipping option, your items will arrive in elegant, custom-branded packaging, featuring high-quality materials that reflect the rarity and prestige of your purchase. Depending on the item, we may incorporate special lighting, a hand-tied ribbon, or other bespoke touches to elevate the unboxing moment. This service ensures your prized acquisition is securely packaged, beautifully presented, and delivered with the utmost care—because extraordinary collectibles deserve nothing less. What You Can Expect with White Glove Shipping: Luxury Presentation – Custom-branded packaging for a refined, collector-worthy experience. Enhanced Protection – High-end materials designed to keep your item secure and pristine. Tailored Unboxing Experience – Thoughtful details like ribbons, specialty inserts, and lighting (where applicable). Concierge-Level Handling – Careful packing by our in-house specialists for added peace of mind. This premium service is available for an additional charge—because your treasures deserve nothing but the best. Choose White Glove Shipping at checkout and make your next collectible delivery one to remember. ________________________________________ Third-Party Shipping Option Buyers, both domestic and international, may arrange shipping through a third-party carrier of their choice. However, Treasure Trove Auctions assumes no responsibility for the acts or omissions of third-party shippers, even if they are recommended by our team. International Buyers International buyers are fully responsible for any duties, taxes, clearance fees, or additional import charges imposed by their country. These fees are not included in the shipping cost and must be paid directly to the appropriate customs authorities upon arrival. As the auction house, we handle the packing, shipping, and handling of your purchased items with care. However, we are not global import exports and such as such, buyers must be aware of and comply with their country's import regulations, restrictions, and legal requirements regarding the items they purchase. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify import laws and restrictions for their country before placing a bid or purchasing an item, cover any customs fees, VAT, or additional import duties required by their government, and ensure the item is legally permissible for import into their country. While our team strives to provide guidance based on past experiences, all final responsibility for customs clearance, import compliance, and associated fees rests solely with the buyer. We are unable to provide refunds or assume liability for items delayed, seized, or rejected by customs authorities due to non-compliance with import regulations. If an item is returned to us due to customs issues, any additional return shipping costs will be the responsibility of the buyer. By placing a bid or completing a purchase, you acknowledge and accept these terms.