LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72235

An Extremely Rare Palmetto Confederate Sword and

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 8,500.00 USD
An Extremely Rare Palmetto Confederate Sword and
<B>An Extremely Rare Palmetto Confederate Sword and Scabbard</B></I> This 29” foot officer's sword has an unmarked blade with a 22” fuller. The blade shows much wear as this is a truly Southern utilitarian sword. It is most rare in that it was possibly made for a state militia member before the Civil War since there are no markings and due to the engravings present on the scabbard.<BR><BR>The grip is made of scored wood and has also seen much use as has the single knucklebow. The scrollwork guard shows a flat finish as does the single bar that extends to the pommel, all worn. The grip is slightly loose but is intact.<BR><BR>Perhaps the most unique aspect of this sword is its scabbard, specially engraved with the South Carolina symbol, the Palmetto tree. Starting at the throat and extending 4½” down the all-metal scabbard is an engraving of a Palmetto tree trunk with foliage. Below is a 5” central engraving of a Palmetto tree. Further down the scabbard is a 4” engraving of more foliage and a Palmetto tree trunk work between two arcs. The remainder of the scabbard is left untouched except for the last 3½” at the drag where again the same Palmetto foliage is etched. The reverse of the scabbard has been left with no artistic engraving.<BR><BR>At the throat on the reverse of the scabbard the initials "H. C." and "1864" have been crudely etched. The brass scabbard displays a dull and worn finish as well. A scabbard similar to this one is published in John H. Thillman's Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers, (page 63). That particular sword was made for an identified South Carolina militia officer by the Ames Manufacturing Company before the Civil War and bears similar etchings of the Palmetto foliage on the scabbard.<BR><BR> This is a unique and very rare example of a South Carolina soldier's scabbard from the Civil War and is highly collectable.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Bats, Clubs, Sticks, Swords, Rif (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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