Drum and Sword

The military drum from the collection of the Waitsfield Historical Society was possibly used in the War of 1812, and still has the original paint and an ivory eagle ornament on one side. Both drumheads were torn and have been repaired in the recent restoration. 

   The officer’s artillery sword, circa 1810-1820, having an ivory grip and bird’s head pommel of brass with silver overlay, which was presented to General Benjamin Wait, the founder of Waitsfield, for his military and public service for Vermont. The curved blade is steel with gilded decoration. The scabbard is made of leather. According to history, the sword passed through the family of his wife’s descendants, the Burdicks, and was given to the Town of Waitsfield in 1927, where it was placed on display at the Joslin Library. Donated to the WHS in 1999.

The Waitsfield Historical Society wishes to thank the following for their donations to the Drum and Sword Restoration Fund.

Connie and Dick Jamieson

Jean Sherman

Anne Wallis-Bull

Irene Mehuron

Ann B. DayJack and Judy Smith

Ruth Pestle

E. Brian Joslin

Fletcher B. Joslin

Ruth and Dick Bergeron

Shirley Viens

Jill Burley

Many Thanks go to John Reilly, our master carpenter, for building the display case, and to Jim Dodds of Treehouse Graphics for designing the labels.Most of all thanks go to The Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance for their grant which helped to support restoration of the drum and sword and building the display case.