Arms, Armor and Militaria

Arms, Armor and Militaria

Wednesday, May 1, 2024  |  10:00 AM Eastern
to bid until the live auction begins!
Arms, Armor and Militaria

Arms, Armor and Militaria

Wednesday, May 1, 2024  |  10:00 AM Eastern
to bid until the live auction begins!
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Description

Cowan’s Auctions is proud to present their Spring 2024 Premier Arms, Armor & Militaria Sale which features a carefully curated selection of sporting and fine historical arms, including Part II of the George Oldenbourg Collection of fine presentation and identified Civil War arms.



The sale opens with some pieces of European armor, featuring a 17th Century Etched and Painted German Half Suit of Armor (Lot #3), followed by a selection of 19th century historical arms, featuring more than 50 pieces from the Oldenbourg Collection. Other highlights from the Civil War and Indian Wars periods include a Martially Marked 1st DC Cavalry Henry Rifle from the Collection of Charles Worman (Lot #77), a Rare Confederate Bilharz, Hall & Company Type 2 Carbine (Lot #70) and a Custer Range Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Revolver #5973 – A Lot 6 Delivery – Likely Picked Up at The Little Bighorn (Lot #79).



A nice selection 20th century historical arms from World War I and World War II are also included in the sale, notably a very nice Mauser C96 Red 9...
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A German Black and White Comb Morian Helmet with Ear Flaps

Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 200)      

A German Black and White Comb Morian Helmet with Ear Flaps A late 16th/early 17th century German black and white high comb morion helmet, possibly for the Munich Town Gua...morerd. Helmet is of two-piece construction, with flanged and peaked brim. Exterior of helmet appears to have original black paint finish, with polished and embossed fleur-de-lis on both sides. Item features a plume socket to front and 12 rivets with brass rosette washers. Item also has riveted ear flaps still with interior leather, a rarity among most helmets of the period. Does not appear to have any visible armorer's marks. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Condition: About good. Finish shows scattered pitting, losses, and light oxidation overall. Rolled edges of brim, comb, and ear flaps show cracking and denting. Leather connecting ear flaps to helmet is delicate, with right side ear flap partially torn, most likely due to age and handling. Estimate: 1500 - 2000

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An Etched German Burgonet Helmet

Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 200)      

An Etched German Burgonet Helmet Possible mid-16th century etched German burgonet helmet. Helmet features a one piece construction with high comb, downturned peak, n...moreeck guard, and hinged cheek pieces with flanging. Dome, peak, neck guard, and cheek pieces all have rolled edges as well as molded and tapered bands etched with floral scroll and tendrils. Hardware includes riveted hinges and three brass rosettes to rivets on front of crown; a fourth rosette appears to be missing. Left side cheek piece rivets were replaced at some point with two flat head screws. Peak and neck guard both have two holes at points, possibly for buff hooks that may have been removed. Item does not appear to have any armorer marks. Attached to cheek piece is a sales tag from Sotheby's New York. Research showed that this helmet was item #253 in their European Works of Art sale #5321 on May 10, 1985. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Condition: Fair to good. Helmet has flaking to finish, pitting, oxidation, and scratching overall. Rolled edges show denting, cracking, and losses. As mentioned, the riveting on left side cheek piece was replaced with screws at some point. Peak appears slightly bent, with a crimp to left side. Estimate: 2000 - 3000

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A 17th Century German Etched and Painted Half Suit of Armor

Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 200)      

A 17th Century German Etched and Painted Half Suit of Armor About 26" x 22" x 14". Half suit of armor with etched borders to all plates enclosing black painted panels wi...moreth attached split fauld, spaulders, and gorget. Item manufactured in the style of German armor dating from the 17th Century, with the breast and backplate showing no visible armorer marks. All plates feature a continuous pattern of foliate scroll etching subdividing the breast and backplate into four panels that divide into two flowing over left and right fauld and spaulders. Item is of riveted construction with the majority of components held in place with iron rivets and plates attached via leather straps and buckles. Spaulders have been mounted for display via a series of modern bolts piercing all seven segments of each spaulder. Nuts protrude into the interior space. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Condition: Good. Item shows a deep brown patina overall with some flaking to the painted finish on all plates. Multiple rivets missing to the breastplate, gorget, and spaulder. All leather straps and buckles show signs of hardening and cracking. Modern mounting bolts on the spaulder show a deep brown patina. Breast and backplate are joined by a length of steel wire. Estimate: 6000 - 10000

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A Mid-17th Century European Crossbow

Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 200)      

A Mid-17th Century European Crossbow A mid-17th century Central European-style sporting crossbow, possibly made in Germany. Item has a slightly curved 25.5" walnut s...moretock with straight grip and a carved cheek rest. Stock is inlaid with carved staghorn fittings. 22" steel bow has cord binding and string. Item features double set triggers, an iron suspension ring to forend, and a large iron triggerguard (possibly added later). Butt is fitted with a staghorn fitting that appears to be carved J.G.64. or 1664. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Condition: About good. Bow and triggerguard show pitting, residue, and oxidation. Stock has scattered scratches and mars, as well as hairline cracks and losses along top inlay. Cords show heavy fraying and discoloration, with right side of bow missing most of cord and left side appearing delicate but intact. String appears loose and has scattered frays and discoloration. Butt and forend stag horn fittings appear darker in coloration than stag horn inlays. Stock is also missing three inlay pieces on right side and bottom. Action still very strong and functional. Estimate: 1500 - 2500

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18th Century Continental French Style Flintlock Officer's Fusil

Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 200)      

18th Century Continental French Style Flintlock Officer's Fusil American Revolution .708" caliber. 40.5" round barrel secured by four spring-retained bands. SN: NSN. Br...moreight finish, iron furniture, European hardwood stock. Single shot smoothbore flintlock musket. 5.75" slightly curved flat faceted lock plate with pronounced teat at the rear with a detachable bridled, faceted and fenced iron pan and a flat faceted reinforced cock. The lock is unmarked and remains in original flint. The flat faceted two-screw side plate has a flat bottom, a roughly cloud like profile and a teat at the rear. The triggerguard plate is 12.75" in overall length with a 3.5" extension forward of the guard bow and a 6.375" extension to the rear. The barrel is marked with a large G and with what may be a rudimentary Fleur-de-lis on the top of the breech, with the obverse butt stamped with the same G mark four times in a cross pattern with the same rudimentary Fleur-de-lis mark stamped three times with the middle one upside down. A small {CROWN}/V.S is stamped on the left side of the barrel near the breech and the number 275 is stamped along the toe line of the stock behind the triggerguard. The gun is otherwise unmarked. The round barrel is secured by a screw through the tang and four flat, sheet iron barrel bands with the upper band double strapped and all retention springs positioned to the rear of the bands. A lug for a socket bayonet is located under the barrel 1" from the muzzle. Screw-retained sling swivels are present on a lug forward of the triggerguard and on the third barrel band. A full-length steel trumpet head ramrod is present that retains threads on the end and appears to be original to the gun. The stock has a graceful, semi-Roman nosed profile with a tall comb and an abrupt drop to the wrist. The length of pull is nominally 12.75" with a 1.5" drop at the comb and a 2.5" drop at the heel. An attractive, light and handy officer's fusil in a French style that may be Liege-made, which remains in original flint and likely dates from the 3rd quarter of the 18th century. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Condition: Very good. Smooth bore is moderately oxidized with scattered pitting. Metal lightly cleaned with a dull steel patina. Breech markings remain clear. Lock remains mechanically functional but the mainspring is cracked so the action is weak and mushy. Lock and barrel both remain in original flint with an endoscopic inspection of the breech revealing no welding or alterations. Stock is crisply marked on the butt and remains in good to very good condition with two diagonal cracks in the obverse forend at the second and third barrel bands and some minor chipped loss along the upper edge of the stock forward of the second band. Otherwise, the wood shows some scattered bumps, dings and mars. Estimate: 3000 - 5000

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An Interesting Edo-Period Japanese Katana with 39-Character Tameshi Giri (Cutting Test) Mei

Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 200)      

An Interesting Edo-Period Japanese Katana with 39-Character Tameshi Giri (Cutting Test) Mei 29" nagasa. 44" overall with tsuka and saya. Large shinogi-zukuri katana with...more a single hole nakago that has 39-character mei engraved and rubbed with what appears to be chalk (29 characters to right side and 10 characters to left side). The large amount of mei on both sides of the nakago could possibly be tameshi giri mei that documents the results of the blade cutting test, tester's name, date of test, date sword was made, swordsmith, and who the sword was made for. It also has an iron tsuba that is ornately chiseled depicting a water dragon with gold eyes and tails to both sides. Tsuba is also signed with 12-character mei around nakago ana (6 characters to both sides). Blade features a mosame hada, sugu hamon, ihori mune, O-kissaki, and what appears to be yakizume boshi. Mountings include iron fuchi and kashira with silver chrysanthemum details, white same, black ito, matching gold dragon menukis, and a leather wrapped saya with single hanger. Other mountings include copper habaki with koshi-yujo style file marks, and brass seppa that both appear to be signed to inside faces. Some possible loose translations of the mei suggest that it may have been made in the Mutsu province sometime around 1801-1804. Tameshi giri was possibly conducted on the 2nd day of the 3rd month of whatever year the sword was made, and was finished for the sword recipient on the 17th day of the 12th month of that same year. Other possible translations of the mei include Fujiwara and Minamoto. There are 18 characters that have yet to be translated. Tameshi giri (test cut) was a common practice used by samurai and swordsmiths to test the quality of their blades during the Edo period (1600-1868). Often times a samurai would test his own sword, or a renowned samurai would be chosen by the daimyo if a number of swords meant for the lord's troops were to be tested. The test loosely measured how effective a blade's cutting edge was, and was measured by the amount of bodies or body parts sliced through with a single blow. These tests were often carried out on war prisoners, prisoners sentenced to death, and even on random passersby/drifters (known as tsugi giri, or "slicing at crossroads"). This lot is located in Cincinnati. Condition: Good. Blade shows light scratches overall most likely from improper polishing, as well as scattered small clusters of pitting, grain openings, and small bites along edge of blade. Mountings are all in about good condition as well, mekugi peg may be too small. Leather saya shows scratching, losses, and discoloration to thread Estimate: 1200 - 1800

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Exceptionally Rare Dreyse Faucet Breech Needle Fire Sporting Carbine circa 1830s

Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 200)      

Exceptionally Rare Dreyse Faucet Breech Needle Fire Sporting Carbine circa 1830s 9mm. 18.75" octagonal barrel. SN: 15482. Blued finish, iron mountings, checkered Europea...moren hardwood stock with raised cheek rest. Single shot breechloading needle rifle with faucet breech. Left side of barrel marked CAL:0.34.6 GRAN Pluv near the breech, under the breech operating lever, indicating the caliber and powder charge. The barrel is additionally marked STAHL, indicating steel and with the serial number. The last two digits of the serial number, 82, are found on the screw heads, the reverse of the cocking piece and on the reverse of the breech lever. The rear sight consists of a fixed and folding leaf, while the front sight is a dovetailed blade. The rifle is equipped with classic Germanic sporting sling mounts, including a small swivel under the barrel and a large button along the toe line of the stock. While the triggerguard is of iron, the rifle was produced without a buttplate and has a lovely slightly rounded shotgun style butt. Cocking the action unlocks the operating lever, allowing it to be lowered, thus rotating the faucet breech to allow the loading of the self-contained Dreyse paper cartridge. The gun's design is based upon the earlier Dreyse-Collenbusch muzzleloading needle fire pistol that was introduced in the 1820s. By 1834 the system had been improved to be a breechloading design based upon the faucet breech concept. Little information is available about these early Dreyse rifles and the rather low powder charge of nominally 5 grains of black powder has caused some authors to deduce that these were gallery guns. However the presence of sling mounts and an adjustable leaf rear sight suggests that the real purpose was similar to the English Rook Rifle, with the purpose being the taking of small game and eradication of pests. An exceptionally rare rifle, that is practically never seen for sale in the United States. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Condition: Very good. Bore partly bright with scattered oxidation and crisp rifling. Metal with some original blue that has flaked, faded and worn and mixed with a mostly smoothly oxidized plum brown patina. Markings remain clear and crisp. Action is mechanically functional, although the tip of the needle appear to have broken off. Wood shows scattered bumps, dings and mars, with crisp checkering at the wrist, showing some wear. Estimate: 1200 - 1800

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Ames Model 1850 Staff & Field Officers Sword Presented to Major W.G. Bartholomew 27th Mass Infantry

Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 200)      

Ames Model 1850 Staff & Field Officers Sword Presented to Major W.G. Bartholomew 27th Mass Infantry - Twice POW & WIA with Two CDV's American Civil War 32" single-edged...more slightly curved blade with a 22" stopped median fuller. 38" in overall length. 6" hilt with gilt brass guard decorated with foliate themes with a US in the face. Grooved wooden grip covered in shagreen with 15 wraps of twisted wire. Blade etched with flowing foliate scrolls, as well as patriotic and martial themes with a weak etched Ames mark on the obverse above the ricasso. The sword is accompanied by its Ames marked brass mounted steel scabbard. The face of the upper mount is engraved: Presented to/Maj. WG Bartholomew/27th Regt Mass Vols/by the/Express Boys/of Springfield Mass/Jan 1st 1862. The sword is accompanied by two CDVs of Bartholomew, one being a studio image that appears to include this sword, and a large binder of information and research about him. An article about Bartholomew and this sword was written by Wiley Sword and published in the November 1970 issue of The Gun Report. The sword was purchased by Wiley Sword from Norm Flayderman in 1966 and the original receipt is included with the various documents. Walter G. Bartholomew (1826-1912) spent his early working life as an enlisted man in the US Army. From 1849-1854 he served in the US Army's Corps of Engineers, rising to the rank of corporal. Unable to support his family on the low enlistedman's pay, he left military service and found work with the Thompson's Express company in Springfield, MA. With the outbreak of the Civil War Bartholomew's military experience was considered a great asset and he was commissioned a captain in the 27th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry on October 16, 1861, commanding company H. On December 7, 1861 Bartholomew was promoted to Major. The 27th was one of the regiments that participated in Burnside's North Carolina Expedition, fighting at Roanoke Island and New Berne. Bartholomew, now a major, was the first Union solider to land on Roanoke Island and led the 27th during this amphibious assault. On May 29, 1863 Bartholomew was promoted to lieutenant colonel. The regiment remained in North Carolina through early 1864 when it was recalled to the Virginia theater of operations. On May 16, 1864, at Drewry's Bluff much of the regiment was captured, along with Bartholowmew. He was initially confined at Libby Prison but was soon moved to Charleston, SC where he was confined under the shelling of US ordnance. He was exchanged on August 2, 1864 and promoted to colonel on September 21, 1864. However due to the small number of men remaining in the regiment he was never officially mustered as a colonel. On March 8, 1865 at the Battle of Southwest Creek, NC the 27th was surrounded and during the action Bartholomew was badly wounded in the leg below his knee and captured. Bartholomew was stripped of nearly all of his personal belongings and much of his clothing at that time, including his sword. Initially the Confederate surgeon wanted to amputate the leg but was bribed by another of the 27th Mass officers to try to save the leg, which he did. However he did not clean the wound well and it troubled Bartholomew for years until a piece of leather from his boot that was taken into the wound, worked its way out on its own. While in the Confederate hospital in High Point, NC Bartholmew was visited by the commander of the 28th GA, Col. Zachary, who returned Bartholomew's sword due to his heroism under fire. The end of the war brought Bartholmew's release from his second stint as a POW. He received an invalid pension for the rest of his life and moved to Tampa after the war, dying in 1912. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Ex-Norm Flayderman, Ex-Wiley Sword Condition: Very good. Blade a dull pewter color with the etching mostly visible, but weak in some areas due to wear. Metal with some scattered surface oxidation and discoloration. Hilt with some traces of gilt, grip with moderate wear and some minor surface loss on the high edges and contact points. Wire intact, throat washer present. Scabbard with moderate oxidation and some dings and dents, mostly in the brass mounts. CDVS are good to very good with both having clipped corners. Estimate: 3000 - 5000

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French Import Foot Officers Sword of Lt. Col. John C. Black - Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 200)      

French Import Foot Officers Sword Etched to Lt. Col. John C. Black - 37th Illinois Infantry and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient American Civil War 30" single-edg...moreed quill back blade with a full-length stopped fuller. Blade 1.12" wide at ricasso, with an overall length of 35.5". 5.75" hilt cast brass guard with open work foliate face. Grooved wood grip without covering or wire. Spine of blade etched with the retailer name H. Folsom & Co St. Louis Mo. Blade with French arsenal touch and inspection marks on the obverse ricasso. Blade etched with flowing foliate and martial themes and with the presentation on the obverse that reads: Presented to Lieut. Col. John C Black By the Officers of the 37th Illinois Inf. Prairie Grove, Ark. The etching is very weak and difficult to see or read. No scabbard is present. Three medals from Black's time in the G.A.R. are included with the sword. One is for the 33rd Annual GAR Department of Illinois Encampment, which depicts Black on the medal's face as the Department Commander for 1898, one is a National Staff medal from the 1904 Boston encampment, and a second 1904 Boston medal is included, a gilt and enamel Representative medal. The sword is also accompanied by a large binder of research and information about Black. John C. Black (1839-1915) was born in Lexington, MS and attended Wabash College in Indiana where he received his degree. He initially enlisted in the 11th Indiana Volunteer Infantry on April 14, 1861. The 11th was a 90-day regiment where he served as the Sergeant Major for the regiment. The regiment was mustered out of service on August 4, 1861. On September 21, 1861 Black was commissioned a major in the 37th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The 37th Illinois' first major action was at Pea Ridge, AR on March 7, 1862, where Black was severely wounded. On July 17, 1862 Black was promoted to lieutenant colonel. At Prairie Grove, AR on December 7, 1862 Black was wounded again. He was also awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions that day. The citation reads: "Gallantly charged the position of the enemy at the head of his regiment, after two other regiments had been repulsed and driven down the hill, and captured a battery; was severley wounded." On February 1, 1863 Black was promoted to colonel. The 37th served during the Vicksburg Campaign and other operations in the deep south, including the movements and campaigns around Mobile and Fort Blakely in 1864-1865. He was promoted to Brevet Brigadier General for his actions at Fort Blakely on March 13, 1865. He resigned his commission on August 15, 1865. After the war Black studied law in Chicago and passed the bar in 1867, working as an attorney in Danville, IL. He also served as US Commissioner of Pensions (1885-89), served in the US House of Representatives (1893-95) and was the Commander-in-Chief of the G.A.R. in 1903. He died in 1915. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade cleaned long ago with weak etching, moderate oxidation and a mottled grayish patina. Guard and knuckle bow exhibit some wobble. The GAR medal is fine and the ribbon is detached. Estimate: 3000 - 5000

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Imported Foot Officer's Sword Presented to Maj. (Col.) James A. Lane - WIA at Gettysburg

Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 200)      

Imported Foot Officer's Sword Presented to Maj. (Col.) James A. Lane - 102nd New York Infantry - WIA at Gettysburg. American Civil War 32.5" slightly curved single-edge...mored spear point blade with 22.5" stopped median fuller. Blade 1.1" wide at ricasso, overall length 38.5". 6.25" hilt with gilt brass guard and grooved wooden grip covered in shagreen with thirteen wraps of multi-strand wire. Spine of blade etched IRON PROOF. Blade etched with a foliate scroll panel on the obverse with the central figure being a spread-winged eagle over the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM in a ribbon. The reverse similarly engraved with a large US being the central image. The sword is accompanied by its gilt brass mounted leather scabbard with the upper mount engraved: Presented to/Maj. J.C. Lane/102nd NYSV/May 5, 1862. A large binder of information and research regarding lane is included. The sword was previously offered for sale in Norm Flayderman's Catalog #93 and subsequently sold to Wiley Sword who wrote an article about the sword for the January 1994 issue of Gettysburg Magazine. The sword was subsequently sold at the Wiley Sword collection auction in 1999 which was administered by James D. Julia and the sword was sold again by James D Julia in October of 2007. James C. Lane (1823-1888) was 38 years old when he volunteered for the Union cause on January 1, 1862. On March 7, 1862 he was commissioned the major of the 102nd New York Volunteer Infantry. The regiment saw its first action at Cedar Mountain on August 9, where Major Lane led the regiment. The 102nd then participated in the Maryland Campaign that culminated at Antietam where Lane, now a lieutenant colonel, was noted for his gallantry in fighting around the Dunker Church. Lane was subsequently promoted to colonel and command of the regiment on December 14, 1862. the 102nd started 1863 with Burnside's Mud March and then fought at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Lane was wounded in intensive fighting around Culp's Hill on July 2nd, receiving a gunshot wound in the arm. The fall of 1863 saw the 102nd NY transferred to the Western Theater where they participated in the Chattanooga Campaign and fought at the Battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold Gap. The regiment continued to fight in the west through the Atlanta Campaign. Lane was discharged on July 12, 1864 due to the consolidation of the 102nd NY with the 78th NY. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Ex-Norm Flayderman, Ex-Wiley Sword Condition: Good to very good. Blade with some traces of original polish and moderately oxidized to a dull gray with scattered oxidation and age discoloration. Metal with some scattered pinpricking as well. Guard with traces of gilt finish, grip covering with wear and some minor loss. Wire essentially intact with some areas of looseness. A leather throat washer is present. Scabbard about good, leather is dry and still with moderate flaking, crazing and finish loss. Mounts with traces of gilt. Drag loose and not securely attached. Estimate: 4000 - 6000

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US Model 1840 Medical Staff Sword Engraved to Assistant Surgeon Benjamin Taft - 20th Mass Infantry

Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 200)      

US Model 1840 Medical Staff Sword Engraved to Assistant Surgeon Benjamin Taft - 20th Mass Infantry American Civil War 30" narrow, unfullered, straight spear-point blade...more, 35" in overall length. 5" gilt cast brass hilt with MS on the face of the obverse langet, and a large droop-winged eagle on the bulbous part of the grip near the pommel on both sides. 4" cross guard with feathery and foliate themes with the quillons curled to the rear at the ends. Blade etched with flowing foliate designs with patriotic and martial themes, but no medical or US Medical Service devices. There are no apparent maker's marks but the style of etching suggests it is by Klingenthal with the markings concealed by the langets. The sword is accompanied by its gilt brass scabbard with chiseled mounts and is engraved on the obverse between the upper and middle mounts: B.F. Taft/Ast. Surgeon 20th Mass. Vols./Fredericksburg. The sword is accompanied by a large binder of research and information about Taft. The sword was purchased from Andrew Mowbray in 1981. Benjamin Taft was a doctor from Blackstone, MA who was appointed the Assistant Surgeon of the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry on August 22, 1862. Known as the "Harvard Regiment" the 20th saw its first action at Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861. Prior to Taft's appointment the regiment had seen service during the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days before Richmond, culminating with the fight at Malvern Hill. After Taft joined the regiment they participated in the Maryland Campaign, including South Mountain (in reserve) and Antietam. They were heavily engaged during the Battle of Fredericksburg, taking casualties as one of the regiments that crossed the river in boats and participated in the house to house fighting in the town. During the assault on Mayre's Heights the took more casualties with the total for the battle around 200. It is likely this heavy butcher's bill to which the inscription on the sword refers. In January of 1863 Taft was transferred to the 19th Mass Infantry to replace their assistant surgeon who had been promoted to surgeon. However, in March of 1863 he resigned citing health issues that developed as a result of being on campaign. He died due to these health issues in December of 1864. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Ex-Andrew Mowbray Condition: About very good. Blade dull with scattered surface oxidation and moderate freckled discoloration. Etching mostly intact, with some wear and minor loss. Hilt with a rich, untouched patina with traces of gilt. Scabbard with traces of gilt and a few scattered minor dings. Estimate: 3000 - 5000

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Collins & Co. Model 1840 NCO Sword of William E. Simonds - Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 200)      

Published Collins & Co. Model 1840 NCO Sword Presented to William E. Simonds - 25th Connecticut Infantry - Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient at Irish Bend, LA Ameri...morecan Civil War 32" single-edged straight spear point blade with a 29" stopped median fuller, .85" wide at the ricasso. 38.5" in overall length with a 6.5" cast brass hilt and guard with single knuckle bow. Reverse ricasso is stamped COLLINS & CO/HARTFORD/CONN/1862. The blade is etched with flowing foliate scrolls and vines with the barely legible legend 25th/C VOL on the weak image of a knapsack as part of a trophy of arms on the obverse and W.E. Simonds in a ribbon on the reverse. When the sword was first offered for sale by Skinner in 1987 from the collection of Stanley A. Olpp, it did not have a scabbard, and one was added at some point in time. A blued steel 1840 patterns scabbard with brass mounts now accompanies the sword. The sword is pictured and discussed on page 205 of John Thillmann's Civil War Army Swords. Simonds' commission also accompanies the sword, along with a binder of information and research about him. William Edgar Simonds (1842-1903) was an employee at Collins & Company in Hartford when he enlisted in the 25th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry on August 18, 1862. He was appointed the regimental sergeant major and as such was entitled to wear the US Model 1840 NCO sword. As a Collins employee it is likely that this specially etched Collins-made Model 1840 sword was given to him by his friends at that company. The 25th CT was a 9-month regiment that performed all of its service in the Department of the Gulf, primarily in Louisiana. On April 14, 1863 Simonds would receive a battlefield commission to 2nd lieutenant for his heroism under fire at the Battle of Irish Bend. His actions would also be rewarded in 1899 when he became a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism that day. The citation reads: "Displayed great gallantry, under a heavy fire from the enemy, in calling in the skirmishers and assisting in forming the line of battle." Simonds was later wounded on June 14, 1863 at the Battle of Port Hudson. Simonds was mustered out on August 26,, 1863. After his service he attended Yale Law School and received his law degree in two years. He went to work as an attorney, specializing in patent and trademark law. He was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1882, eventually serving as Speaker of the Connecticut House. In 1888 he was elected to Congress. In 1890 President Benjamin Harrison appointed him Patent Commissioner, a position he served in until 1893, when he returned to the private practice of law. He died in Hartford in 1903. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade a dull gray with moderate oxidation and age staining, some minor surface roughness and some very lightly scattered pitting. Etching worn and weak over much of the blade. The last 5" of the blade are slightly bent. Hilt with a rich, uncleaned butterscotch patina. There is a split in the feral behind the guard on the obverse. Added steel scabbard with traces of blue and moderate surface oxidation, showing wear, dings and mars. Estimate: 5000 - 8000

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Klingenthal Non-Reg Combination Hilt French 1838/1853 Sword of Lt. T Hickey - WIA at Cold Harbor

Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 200)      

Klingenthal Non-Regulation Combination Hilt French 1838/1853 Sword Presented to Lt. Thomas Hickey - 164th New York Infantry - WIA at Cold Harbor and Died of Wounds Ameri...morecan Civil War 30.5" slightly curved single edged spear point blade, 36.5" in overall length. 5.5" French combination hilt with multi-branch guard, chiseled backstrap and pommel cap and large eagle in the face of the guard. Grooved wooden grip covered in white shagreen with thirteen wraps of multi-strand wire. Spine with weak Klingenthal markings, partially obscured by etching. Blade with etched foliate themes, panoplies of arms, a US on the reverse and an eagle and E Pluribus Unum on the obverse. Leather scabbard with engraved gilt brass mounts, with the drag being particularly embellished. The obverse of the middle mount is engraved Lieut. Thos. Hickey/from/Co. C./155th N.Y.V. The sword is accompanied by a large binder of research and information about Hickey. Thomas Hickey (1839-1864) was born in Canada of Irish immigrant parents and moved to America at a young age, settling in Potsdam, NY. He was approximately 23 years old when he joined the what would become one of the regiments of "Cochran's Irish Legion", which included the 182nd NY (69th NYSM), 155th NY, 164th NY and 170th NY. Records indicate that he was not actually commissioned until November 2, 1862 which was into Company A of the 164th NY. This may indicate the reason that the scabbard was engraved with 155th rather than 164th. The 164th was a Zouave unit and saw service in many of the major engagements in Virginia from the summer of 1863 through the end of the war. The regiment was first bloodied at the Battle of Deserted House and then participated in the Siege of Suffolk. They fought at Spotsylvania Court House, Totopotomoy Creek and Cold Harbor. At Cold Harbor Hickey was wounded five times, with one of the wounds destroying his right arm which had to be amputated. He died of his wounds on July 7, 1864. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade a dull gray with moderate oxidation and age staining, retaining much of the etching but with areas where it is weak and worn. Hilt with an untouched patina, grip with some handling wear and a couple of small areas where it is worn through. Scabbard with moderate wear, surface crazing and moderate flaked finish loss. Mounts with an untouched patina. Estimate: 3000 - 5000

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Schuyler, Hartley & Graham 1850 Foot Officers Sword of Capt. Charles Amory- POW at The Crater

Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 200)      

Schuyler, Hartley & Graham 1850 Foot Officers Sword of Capt. Charles Amory - 24th Mass Infantry - POW at The Crater American Civil War 31.25" slightly curved single-edg...moreed spear point blade, 37" overall length. 6" hilt with traditional 1850 foot officer's pattern guard, grooved wood grip covered in shagreen with fourteen wraps of twisted wire. Reverse ricasso with Clauberg maker's mark, obverse with Schuyler, Hartley & Graham retailer's mark. Blade acid etched with highly detailed flowing foliate scrolls, martial and patriotic themes. The inner face of the counterguard is engraved: Capt. Charles B. Amory/24th Mass. Vol. Inf. The brass mounted leather scabbard is included. The sword is accompanied by a CDV of Amory, a copy of his brief military autobiography, a copy of the regimental history that he helped write and also by a large binder of research about Amory. Charles B. Amory (1841-1919) was a 20 year old clerk from Jamaica Plain, MA when he was commissioned a 1st lieutenant in Company F of the 24th Massachusetts Infantry on September 2, 1861. The 24th Mass was initially deployed as part of Burnside's North Carolina Expedition, fighting at the Battles of Roanoke Island and New Berne in February and March of 1863. While companies A and C were sent to Washington DC in May of 1862, the balance of the regiment stayed North Carolina operating around New Berne, Goldsboro, Kingston and Whitehall. On September 27, 1862 Amory was promoted to captain of his company. In 1863 the regiment regiment spent most of the year in operations in South Carolina, including the Battle of Secessionville, the investment of Morris Island, the assault and later siege of Forts Wagner and Gregg. The regiment was redeployed to Florida in the St, Augustine area in September. The regiment remained on station in Florida until the spring of 1864 when it was transferred to the Virginia theater of operations. On May 18, 1864 Amory was promoted to the Adjutant General of Volunteers, serving as the Assistant Adjutant General. On July 30, 1864, when the mine was exploded in Petersburg which resulted in the Battle of the Crater, Amory was captured. He was confined in a Confederate prison in South Carolina, from which he eventually escaped. He returned to Union lines and on March 13, 1865 received a brevet promotion to major for his gallantry at Petersburg. Amory resigned on May 9, 1865. After the war he worked primarily as a cotton broker and was active in the GAR and Veteran activities. He was one of six Massachusetts veterans selected to represent the state at the 1913 50th Anniversary of Gettysburg, a battle he had not been involved in. Amory wrote a self-published monograph about his wartime services after the war and helped to write the regimental history of the 24th Mass. Copies of both books are included with the sword. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade moderately oxidized with a dark patina and areas of more significant age staining. Etching mostly visible with wear and loss. Guard with a rich, uncleaned patina and some dings and bending at the counterguard and quillon. Grip well worn with moderate amounts of surface loss to the covering and some looseness to the wire. Scabbard is delicate with moderate wear, crazing and finish loss to the leather. Some moderate creasing is present, particularly near the drag with this area rather weak. A pieced and soldered repair that appears to be period is present at the top of the drag, possibly to reinforce and repair the leather in this area, which is quite weak. Books and CDV both good to very good. Estimate: 2000 - 3000

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Hortsmann Retailed Import Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword Presented to Capt. Ira Ayer

Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 200)      

Hortsmann Retailed Import Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword Presented to Capt. Ira Ayer - 116th NY Infantry American Civil War 31.25" single-edged spear point ...moreblade, with a 22.5" stopped median fuller. Blade 1.15" wide at ricasso with an overall length of 37.25" 6" hilt with gilt brass guard with US in the face and foliate decorations. Grooved wooden grip covered in shagreen with fifteen wraps of multi-strand wire. Blade deeply etched with foliate motifs, as well as martial and patriotic themes with a large US on the reverse and a spread-winged Eagle on the obverse. The obverse ricasso is etched W.H./HORSTMANN /& SONS/PHILADELPHIA. The spine of the blade is etched IRON PROOF. The sword is a accompanied by its brass mounted, center-seamed leather scabbard. The upper mount is engraved on the obverse: Capt. Ira Ayer/Co. A 116th Regt/N.Y.S.V. above the suspension ring, and Presented by/Senatorial Military Com. below the suspension ring. Ira Ayer (1802-1889) was 59 years old when he was commissioned captain of Company A, 116th New York Volunteer Infantry on August 12, 1862. He was a veteran of the 1838 "Patriot War" (Upper Canada Rebellion) and had served as the colonel in the 48th New York Militia during that conflict. The 116th NY was organized in Buffalo, NY primarily of Erie County men. The regiment departed for Baltimore in September 1862 and spent part of the fall of that year in operations against J.E.B. Stuart in Pennsylvania. In November the regiment moved to Fortress Monroe and traveled by ship to join Bank's Louisiana Expedition as part of Emery's Brigade, 8th Corps. In January the regiment was reassigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 19th Corps of the Army of the Gulf, and the following month moved to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the same Corps. The regiment took part in the Port Hudson Campaign, seeing combat at Plain's Store and the assault on Port Hudson. On March 1, 1863 Ayer was discharged due to disability. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade dulled with a mottled and oxidized dark and medium gray patina and showing some scattered moderate pitting, most obvious in the last few inches near the tip. Hilt with traces of gilt with the counter guard bent and cracked. Grip with light to moderate wear and wire intact. Throat washer present. Scabbard with moderate wear, flaked finish loss and some looseness in the upper and middle mounts. Estimate: 2000 - 3000

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1850 Foot Officers Sword Identified to Captain Julius Ellendorf - WIA at Cold Harbor

Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 200)      

1850 Foot Officers Sword Identified to Captain Julius Ellendorf - 42nd NY and 93rd NY Infantry - WIA at Cold Harbor American Civil War 30" slightly curved single-edged ...morespear point blade, 36" in overall length. 6" hilt with gilt brass guard, leather covered grooved wooden grip and fifteen wraps of twisted wire. Unmarked as to maker or retailer. Plain blade without etching. The sword is accompanied by its brass mounted leather scabbard with an old, very faded paper label on the obverse between the throat and upper mount that appears to read: Sword belonging to/Capt. Julius M/Ellendorf/Co A 42nd NY. An officer's gold bullion sword knot is attached to the hilt. A binder of information about Ellendorf, primarily copies of his available service records, is included. Julius M. Ellendorf was 21 years old when he enlisted in the 42nd New York Volunteer Infantry as a sergeant on June 22, 1861. He was mustered into Company D and like most of these early war regiments the "Tammany Regiment" as the 42nd was known was initially sent to the defenses of Washington. Their first action was at Ball's Bluff that October from which the moved to Harpers Ferry. The regiment was part of the Peninsula Campaign, fighting at the Siege of Yorktown and Seven Pines before seeing combat during the Seven Days before Richmond. The regiment was engaged at Antietam during the Maryland Campaign and Fredericksburg at the end of the year. 1863 started with the Mud March in January and on February 12 Ellendorf was promoted to 2nd lieutenant, having previously being raised to 1st sergeant of company D and was transferred to company H. On April 3 he was promoted again, this time to 1st lieutenant. During much of this period he served as the acting regimental adjutant and was finally officially placed in that position. The regiment fought during the Chancellorsville campaign and at Gettysburg. The regiment saw additional service during the end of 1863, including the Mine Run Campaign. 1864 brought Grant's Overland Campaign with fighting at The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Cold Harbor and the Siege of Petersburg. On June 4, 1864 Ellendorf was wounded at Cold Harbor and was discharged on July 13. On July 20 he was commissioned into the Field & Staff of the 93rd New York Infantry as their regimental adjutant and was mustered out on November 1, 1864. His pension reports noted that during his service he suffered a rupture in the right groin and a wound in the ankle. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade lightly cleaned with mottled oxidation and spotted discoloration. Grip with wear, wire intact. Guard with minute traces of gilt in protected areas, with bent quillon. Scabbard well worn and weak with significant crazing and flaked finish loss. Leather with creases and weak areas and should be handled very carefully. Brass mounts with a rich, untouched patina. Label old with very faint writing. Sword knot with moderate wear. Estimate: 2000 - 3000

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PDL British 1821 Pattern Sword Inscribed to Capt. Frank Chamberlain - WIA at Gettysburg

Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 200)      

PDL British 1821 Pattern Sword Inscribed to Capt. Frank Chamberlain - 125th New York Volunteers - WIA at Gettysburg American Civil War 31.25" slightly curved single-edg...moreed spear point quill back blade with rounded spine. 37" in overall length. 5.5" hilt with brass two branch guard with knuckle bow, full backstrap and ball finial pommel cap. Grooved wooden palm swell grip covered in shagreen with twelve wraps of multi-strand wire. Plain blade marked on the obverse in a ribbon P.D. Lunescholoss/Waffenfabrikant and in Solingen in a ribbon on the reverse. The sword is accompanied by its moderately oxidized steel scabbard with brass mounts is engraved between the throat and upper mount: Captain/F. Chamberlin 125 Regt./N.Y.V. A large bind of research and information about Chamberlain is included with the sword. Frank Chamberlain was 20 years old from Troy, NY when he enlisted in the 125th New York Infantry on August 18, 1862. He was commissioned as a 1st lieutenant in Company F on September 10 and was captured with the regiment at Harpers Ferry on September 15 in the immediate prelude to the Battle of Antietam. He was paroled the following day. The regiment was sent to Camp Douglas in Chicago under parole until officially exchanged in late November of 1862. On December 11, 1862 Chamberlain was promoted to Captain and transferred to the command of Company C. The regiment returned to Virginia and saw their first major combat at Gettysburg, followed by Bristoe Station that fall. On July 3rd at Gettysburg Chamberlain received a gunshot wound in his right arm. 1864 brought Grant's Overland Campaign with the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. Chamberlain was discharged on June 19, 1864 as the Siege of Petersburg was commencing. After the war Chamberlain worked primarily as a carriage builder. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Very good. Lightly oxidized blade with scattered discoloration and freckling. Some more moderate discoloration and light pitting are present on the last few inches near the tip. Hilt with a rich, untouched ocher patina. Grip with some light wear. Wire and throat washer intact. Scabbard moderately oxidized with scattered minor dings and dents. Estimate: 2000 - 3000

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Imported 1840 Type Heavy Cavalry Officers Saber Presented to Lt. James Bradley- 131st NY Volunteers

Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 200)      

Imported 1840 Type Heavy Cavalry Officers Saber Presented to Lt. James Bradley - 131st NY Volunteers American Civil War 34.25" curved, singled-edged blade, 39.75" in ov...moreerall length. 5.25" hilt with decorated and chased gilt brass two branch guard with knuckle bow and cord wrapped wood grip covered in leather with with thirteen warps of doubled double strand twisted wire. While unmarked as to maker or retailer, the hilt style and etched IRON PROOF on the spine are consistent with Solingen made cavalry officers swords by Clauberg. Blade decorated with traditional acid etched motifs, including foliate, marital and patriotic. The sword is accompanied by its gilt brass scabbard which is engraved over most of its surfaces and has chased mounts. Between the mounts on the obverse it is engraved: Presented to/Lieut. J.H. Bradley/adjt. 1st. M.G. 131st N.Y.S.V./by/the Non. Coms./Sept. 12th, 1862. The sword is published in David Stroud's Inscribed Union Swords on pages 100-101. The sword was offered for sale in Norm Flayderman's Catalog #68. A large binder of research and information about Bradley and his service accompanies the saber, including photocopies of the relevant portions of Stroud's books as well as the portions of Flayderman's catalog that relate. James H Bradley was 24 years old when he joined the Union cause on May 7, 1861. He was commissioned a 1st lieutenant in Company D of the 31st New York Volunteer Infantry on May 27. Like many of the early war units, the 31st saw their first combat at Manassas Junction at the 1st Battle of Bull Run on July 21st. The regiment then returned to the defenses of Washington until March of 1862. On December 19, 1861 Bradley was dismissed from the service by Courts Martial. However, Bradley soon returned to the service as a volunteer aide-de-camp to Colonel John Lafayette Riker of the 62nd New York Volunteer Infantry, and was present at the Battle of Fair Oaks (Seven Pines) May 31-June 1, 1862. On August 14, 1862 he received a new commission as a 1st lieutenant into the Field & Staff of the 131st New York Infantry. The regiment was ordered to New Orleans in late 1862 and spent most of its service over the next 18 months in the Department of the Gulf. The regiment participated in the Port Hudson Campaign and Red River Campaign. On March 6, 1864 Bradley joined the Louisiana 1st New Orleans Infantry and was commissioned a captain. He died of disease in New Orleans on October 2, 1864. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade moderately oxidized and discolored with a mottled dark and medium gray patina. Etching remains mostly visible. Hilt with traces of gilt remaining in protected areas. Grip with moderate wear and some loss to the leather covering, exposing the cord wrapping and with some of the wire loose. Throat washers remain intact on the face of the guard, both a red wool and a dark buff leather washer. Scabbard with traces of gilt in protected areas and showing scattered dings and dents from use. Estimate: 3000 - 5000

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1862 Dated and Inspected Ames Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword to Capt. Hugh Donnelly -WIA Cold Harbor

Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 200)      

1862 Dated and Inspected Ames Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword with Presentation to Capt. Hugh Donnelly - 37th Mass Infantry - WIA Cold Harbor American Civil War 30.25" s...morelightly curved single edged blade, 36.25" in overall length. 6" hilt with gilt brass guard and shagreen covered grooved wood grip with fourteen wraps of twisted wire. Reverse ricasso dated 1862 with a shadow typical of a die bounce when struck, and the obverse ricasso is inspected GGS for arsenal sub-inspector George G Saunders. Only 571 Ames Model 1850 Foot Officer Swords were inspected and delivered to the Ordnance Department in 1862. The blade is etched with the three line Ames address on the obverse above the ricasso and both sides are decorated with acid etched flowing foliate scrolls, patriotic and martial themes. The sword is accompanied by Ames marked its gilt brass mounted leather scabbard with the obverse of the upper mount engraved in five lines: Presented to/Hugh Donelly/Capt. Co. I, 37th Mass Vols./by his friends/July 22, 1862. The sword is accompanied by a large binder of research about Donnelly. Included is a copy of a Springfield Republican newspaper article dated July 23, 1862 that discusses the presentation of this sword to Donnelly by his friends, the class of 1860 from his high school. Hugh Donnelly enlisted in the 38th New York Volunteer Infantry as a private in Company E on May 7, 1861. The 38th New York suffered some 138 casualties at First Manassas and like much of the Union Army that fought at that battle returned to the defenses of Washington until the spring of the following year and the beginning of the Peninsula Campaign. The regiment fought during the Siege of Yorktown, at Williamsburg and a Seven Pines during April and May and at Williamsburg Donnelly was wounded on May 5. The regiment fought during the Seven Days before Richmond, including Oak Grove, White Oak Swamp, Glendale and Malvern Hill. On August 26, 1862 Donnelly was discharged for promotion and was commissioned as a captain the following day. He was mustered into the 37th Massachusetts Infantry on September 4, as the captain of Company I. The 37th Mass saw action at essentially all of the major battles in the east from the end of 1862 through the end of the war. These included Fredericksburg, the Chancellorsville Campaign, Gettysburg, the Mine Run Campaign, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, Winchester and the Appomattox Campaign. At Cold Harbor the colonel of the 37th was given command of the brigade and Donnelly was made the acting colonel, commanding the regiment. During that battle on June 5, 1864 he was wounded in the head and discharged for disability on January 31, 1865. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Very good. Blade with some bright polish and etching with some frost remaining. Etched images remain clear and crisp, but some freckled oxidation and discoloration is present on the blade. Hilt with traces of gilt in protected areas. Grip with moderate wear and some loss to the shagreen with the wire and throat washer intact. Scabbard with more wear, showing moderate crazing and flaked loss to the leather along with some crease damage, primarily above the drag and a nominally 2" rectangular on the reverse above the drag. The black stained leather has primarily faded to a chocolate brown color. Mounts with minute traces of gilt. Estimate: 3000 - 5000

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Caldwell Retailed Silver Gripped M1840 Cav Officers Presentation Sword to Col. (General) Hiram Berry

Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 200)      

Caldwell Retailed Silver Gripped Model 1840 Cavalry Officers Presentation Sword to Col. (General) Hiram Berry - 4th Maine Vols. KIA at Chancellorsville with (2) CDVs and ...morea Commemorative Coin American Civil War 36.25" curved single-edged blade, 42.25" in overall length. 6" silver washed highly detailed chased brass hilt with grooved silver grip with faux woven texture. Collins & Co marked blade is dated 1861. Blade etched with highly detailed martial and patriotic themes, as well as foliate and geometric patterns. Browned steel scabbard with chased German silver mounting and an engraved presentation plaque on the obverse that reads: Presented to/COL. HIRAM BERRY/by the sergeants of the/4th MAINE REGT FEB 22, 1862. The sword is accompanied by a two large binders of research on Berry, including copies of the pages from his biography that describe this presentation sword in detail, as well as copies of period newspaper accounts of the same. Two CDVs of Berry are also included, as well as a period copper commemorative coin, similar to the ID discs of the era. Hiram Gregory Berry (1824-1863) was born in Rockland, ME where he learned the carpentry trade and later became a navigator. He served as the mayor of his town for several terms and also raised and commanded a company of local Maine militia known as the Rockland Guard in the years before the Civil War. With the coming of the war he was commissioned a colonel and given command of the 4th Maine Volunteer Infantry. He led the regiment at 1st Manassas in the summer of 1861 and at the Siege of Yorktown during the Peninsular Campaign in 1862 and was promoted to Brigadier General on March 7 of that year and brigade command on April 4. He was present for the balance of the Peninsular Campaign, the Seven Days before Richmond and also at 2nd Manassas Campaign. In January of 1863 he was promoted to Major General and given command of the 2nd Division of the 3rd Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He was killed at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863 while leading a bayonet charge. This sword was presented to him by the non commissioned officers of the 4th Maine when they learned of his promotion from regimental to brigade command as a brigadier general. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade a dull gray with moderate oxidation, age staining and discoloration. Etching remains mostly visible, although weak in areas. Hilt with traces of gilt, silver grip deeply tarnished. Grip somewhat loose with some wobble on the tang. Scabbard moderately oxidized with evenly distributed light surface roughness and a couple of minor dings. CDVs both about good to very good, coin very good with a pleasing patina. Estimate: 5000 - 8000

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Schuyler, Hartley Graham Retailed Clauberg Non-Reg Staff & Field Officer's Sword Capt. J Strowbridge

Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 200)      

Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Retailed Clauberg Non-Regulation Staff & Field Officer's Sword of Capt. John Strowbridge - 158th NY Inf. American Civil War 31.25" slightly c...moreurved single-edged spear point blade with a 20.5" stopped median fuller. Blade 1.1" wide at ricasso, overall length 37". Hilt 5.25" in length with a pierced brass guard featuring a spread-winged eagle, brass backstrap and pommel cap. Grooved wood grip with shagreen cover and double strands of twisted wire. Blade etched SCHUYLER, HARTLEY/ & GRAHAM/NEW YORK on the obverse ricasso and with Clauberg maker mark on the reverse ricasso. Blade etched with flowing foliate scroll patterns with a large US on the reverse as the central image and a panoply of arms and liberty cap as the central image on the obverse. Face of guard is engraved Presented to Capt. JOHN W. STROWBRIDGE Co F 185th Regt. N.Y.V. The sword is accompanied by its browned steel scabbard with brass mounts. John W Strowbridge was 37 years old when he joined the 185th NY Volunteer Infantry on August 11, 1864 and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in Company F. The regiment left the state on September 27, 1864 and proceeded to the Siege of Petersburg where it would remain through April of the following year, participating in various actions as part of that campaign, including Burgess' Farm, the Weldon Railroad Raid and Hatcher's Run. On December 12, 1864 Strowbridge was promoted to captain of Company F. On April 1, 1865 the regiment fought at Five Forks and proceeded to participate in the Appomattox Campaign which culminated with the Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Good. Blade a dull pewter with scattered oxidation and age discoloration. Etching remains mostly clear and visible. Tip slightly rounded. Hilt with an uncleaned butterscotch patina. Wrap with moderate wear and some loss, wire mostly intact. Scabbard with traces of brown and significant wear to the drag, showing some dings and dents. Estimate: 2500 - 4000

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S&K M1850 Foot Officers Sword of Sergeant Major (Capt.) George Smith - WIA at Chancellorsville

Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 200)      

S&K Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword Presented to Sergeant Major (Capt.) George Smith - 7th NJ Infantry - WIA at Chancellorsville American Civil War 31.25" slightly curve...mored single-edged spear point blade with 21.5" unstopped fuller. Overall length 37" with a 5.5" hilt. Gilt brass guard with foliate decorations, grooved wooden grip covered in shagreen with 12 wraps of multi-strand wire. Blade etched with flowing foliate images, patriotic and martial themes and Schnitzler/Kirschbaum/Solingen on the obverse above the ricasso. The sword is accompanied by its damaged and incomplete brass mounted leather scabbard with the upper mount engraved: Presented to/SERGT. MAJOR GEO. W. SMITH/7th N.J.V. by his former Captain/LOUIS R FRANCINE/Jan. 11th 1862 and on the reverse of the mount (When duty calls it is mine to obey). The sword is additionally accompanied by three binders of research regarding Smith and the 7th NJ, including voluminous research into his pension records. George W Smith (1828-1907) in the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry on August 23, 1861 and mustered in as a private in Company A. The regiment did duty in Northern Virginia and Maryland during the fall of 1861 and into early spring of 1862. At some point that fall Smith was made the 1st Sergeant of Company A and on January 11, 1862 was promoted to regimental Sergeant Major. In April they joined McClellan's Peninsula Campaign and were involved in the Siege of Yorktown, as well as the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks. Roughly two weeks after the fighting at Fair Oaks Smith was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and returned to Company A where he had originally served. The regiment then fought during the Seven Days Before Richmond, including at Oak Grove, Savage's Station, Glendale and Malvern Hill. The regiment then took part in Pope's Northern Virginia Campaign, which included fighting at Bristoe Station, Groveton, Second Manassas and Chantilly. Roughly a month after the engagement at Chantilly, Smith was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and transferred to Company H. In December the regiment fought at Fredericksburg. The regiment started 1863 with Burnside's ill-fated "Mud March" in January and for the next few months was on duty near Falmouth. On February 23, 1863 Smith was promoted to Captain in command of Company C. The end of April brought the beginning of what would be the Chancellorsville Campaign. During that battle Smith was severely wounded by a bullet in the lower jaw. He was left for dead on the field, as the bullet not only destroyed the jaw but passed through his tongue and windpipe. Through the efforts of a regimental friend he was removed from a field hospital where doctors would not treat him due to the severity of his wound, to a hospital in Falmouth where he was again refused treatment as the wound was considered mortal. Through the ministrations of a local good samaritan woman and her pleading he was eventually treated and did survive, although the wound would not heal well and he resigned from the army on July 1, 1864. The regiment continued fighting in the war and at Gettysburg, Colonel Francine who presented the sword to Smith was killed in action. Amazingly, despite the severe wound which affected his ability eat and speak for the balance of his life, Smith lived until 1907. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade with some hints of polish and traces of frost on the etching, showing scattered oxidation and discoloration, along with some pitting along the last 8"-9" of the blade where the scabbard is missing. Guard with minute traces of gilt, grip wrap with scattered surface wear and minor loss. Wire wrap intact, throat washer present. Scabbard with heavy wear and damage, missing about 8"-9" at the end as well as the drag. Leather with heavy crazing and flaked finish loss. Estimate: 2500 - 3500

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Schuyler, Hartley & Graham M1850 Staff & Field Officers Sword of Maj. (Col.) Philo Buckingham

Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 200)      

Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Model 1850 Staff & Field Officers Sword Presented to Maj. (Col.) Philo Buckingham - 20th CT Infantry American Civil War 29" single edged, sli...moreghtly curved blade with the last 3" or so snapped clean off, along with a matching section of scabbard. Blade with a 22.5" stopped median fuller. Overall length 34.75" with the damaged blade. 6" hilt with gilt brass guard and grooved wooden grip covered in shagreen, with the twisted wire missing except for traces. Reverse ricasso etched SCHUYLER/HARTLEY/& GRAHAM/NEW YORK in four lines. Blade etched with floral, martial and patriotic motifs, including the slogan Stand By The Union with a trophy of arms. The top of the pommel cap is engraved in six lines: Presented to/Major PB Buckingham/20'REGT C.V./by Thomas James Jr./of Seymour CT/Sept. 1st, 1862. The sword is accompanied by its similarly damaged brass mounted blued steel scabbard. A large binder of information about Buckingham accompanies the sword, along with three additional binders, two containing copies of his letters and the third his history of the 20th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Philo B. Buckingham was a resident of Seymour, CT who helped to raise a company of infantry for the 20th Connecticut Volunteers, which he assumed he would receive command of as their captain. however his application for that commission was returned and he was made the major of the regiment, being commissioned on September 8, 1862. The regiment was assigned to the defenses of Washington as a part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division of the 12th Corps. The regiment saw its first significant combat during the Chancellorsville Campaign and was active in the Gettysburg Campaign as well. The regiment was then transferred to the Western Theater where it fought at Resaca and took part in the Atlanta Campaign, with heavy engagement at Peachtree Creek. The regiment then went with Sherman on this March to the Sea and fought during the North Carolina Campaign that ended the war in the "west". During most of 1863 Buckingham was the Acting Assistant Inspector General for the 12th Corps, but was reassigned to command the regiment when it was transferred to the Western Theater. He was also briefly in command of a brigade during that campaign. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on April 9, 1864 and breveted to colonel for gallantry on March 13, 1865. At least one notation indicates that he was briefly captured at Bermuda Hundred but escaped. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade and scabbard damaged as noted in the description, missing 2"-3" of length due to being snapped off, possibly by some sort of impact. Blade with a dull gray patina and showing moderate oxidation and scattered discoloration with some minor surface roughness. Grip with moderate wear and some surface loss to the wrap. Guard with traces of gilt and slightly loose withs some minor wobble. Wire missing, throat washer intact. Scabbard moderately oxidized with dings and dents. Upper suspension ring damaged as well. Estimate: 2500 - 3500

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Clauberg Non-Regulation Staff & Field Officers Sword of Lt. Charles Lee - 11th Indiana Vol Infantry

Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 200)      

Clauberg Non-Regulation Staff & Field Officers Sword of Lt. Charles Lee - 11th Indiana Volunteer Infantry American Civil War 32.25" single edges spear point blade with ...morea 19" stopped median fuller. 37.5" in overall length with a 5.5" hilt. Brass guard with knuckle bow and two branches a US and Lady Liberty in the face of the guard. Grooved wood grip covered in shagreen with 7 wraps of multi-strand wire and brass backstrap. Backstrap engraved Chas. N Lee. Reverse ricasso with CLAUBERG/SOLINGEN maker's mark and obverse ricasso brass PROVED disc. Blade etched with flowing foliate designs and patriotic and martial themes. The sword is accompanied by its silver washed scabbard with brass mounts. The scabbard is engraved 1861 on the obverse of the upper mount and 1865 on the middle mount. A long memorial commemoration of Lee's service is engraved between the mounts and starts with the corps badge of the 19th Corps and then reads: Chas. N. Lee/Lieut. Co. B 11TH REGT./INDIANA VOLS., this is followed by his battle honors: FT HENRY/FT DONELSON/SHILOH/SIEGE OF CORINTH/PORT GIBSON/CHAMPION HILLS/SIEGE OF VICKSBURG/JACKSON/LAKE TASSA/HALLTOWN/OPEQUAN/FISHERS HILL/CEDAR CREEK. The sword is accompanied by a binder of research about Lee. Charles Lee enlisted in the 11th Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a private on August 31, 1861 and was mustered into Company B that same day. He was promoted to Corporal on October 30, 1861, Sergeant on August 31, 1862, Quartermaster Sergeant on June 18, 1862, 1st Sergeant on May 20,1864. During this time he was in the field with the regiment fighting in the various battles memorialized on the scabbard. On February 1, 1864 he reenlisted in the regiment for the duration of the war. On May 1, 1864 he was promoted from the ranks to 2nd Lieutenant was further promoted to 1st Lieutenant on January 12, 1865 and finally 1st Lieutenant and Quartermaster on April 30, 1865. This non-regulation imported officers sword is one he would have been authorized to carry as a lieutenant with a staff position like quartermaster, and was likely purchased by him after attaining that rank. Lee subsequently had the sword and scabbard engraved to memorialize his service. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Condition: Good. Blade with some bright polish and frost to the etching but showing a moderate amount of freckled surface oxidation with moderate roughness distributed over the entire blade. Grip with moderate wear and some surface loss to the covering. Wire essentially intact, throat washer present. Scabbard with some lightly scattered minor dings, and showing scattered areas of discoloration. Estimate: 2500 - 4500

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Sauerbier Cavalry Officers' Saber with Etched Blade of Lt Sullivan - KIA at Tomkinsville, KY

Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 200)      

Sauerbier Cavalry Officers' Saber with Etched Blade Presentation to Lieutenant Sullivan 9th PA Cavalry - KIA at Tomkinsville, KY - Fighting John Hunt Morgan's Men American Civil War 35.25" curved, single-edged blade with a 27.5" unstopped median fuller. Blade is 1" wide at the ricasso and the overall length is 41.25". The 6" hilt is of gilt brass with a two-branch guard and a knuckle bow that are decorated with raised floral motifs. The blade is secured to the hilt with a spanner capstan nut in the pommel. The grooved wood grip is covered in leather with 17 wraps of triple strand wire. The sword is etched on both sides with floral, patriotic and martial motifs and further etched on the obverse of the blade Presented by Co. E. 9th Pa. Cav. about 8" from the tip and on the reverse Lt. Sullivan about 10" from the tip. Although the spine is only decorated with acid etched vines and bears no retailer's marking, this additional aftermarket personalized presentation etching was likely applied by Louisville retailer JJ Hurstbuhl. The sword is accompanied by its gilt brass scabbard with presentation quality raised and chased mounts, featuring oak leaves and acorns. The sword was acquired from noted collector and dealer Don Ball and is accompanied by a large binder of research material about Sullivan and the 9th PA. Aaron Sullivan (1831-1862) was commissioned into the Company E of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry as a 2nd lieutenant on October 17, 1861. The 9th PA was assigned to the Army of Ohio and by late November 1861 was in the Louisville, KY area, with their camp across the river in Jeffersonville, IN. The regiment spent most of its efforts during the first part of 1862 in pursuit of and fighting with cavalry under the command of John Hunt Morgan, and performing outpost duty in Middle Tennessee. It was on July 9, 1862 that Lt. Sullivan was killed in action against Morgan and his men at Tompkinsville, KY. This lot is located in Cincinnati. From the Collection of George Oldenbourg Provenance: Ex-Don Ball
Very good. Blade with a dull pewter patina and showing scattered freckles and patches of surface oxidation and discoloration. Blade retains most of the etching and embellishments with moderate dulling and some light wear. Hilt with traces of gilt in protected areas. Grip wrap and wire intact and in good condition. Leather throat washer with sawtooth boarder in place. Scabbard with traces of gilt finish and showing a rich, uncleaned patina. Scabbard body with some scattered bumps, dings and dents. Estimate: 5000 - 8000...more

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1.178.0.771.56c32e2.12.226