1461
CONFEDERATE GENERAL LLOYD TILGHMAN'S SWORD BELT AND SWORD HE WAS WEARING WHEN HE WAS KILLED, LETTER
Currency:USD
Category:Firearms & Military
Start Price:11,000.00 USD
Estimated At:22,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
SOLD
12,500.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2013 Mar 11 @ 16:04UTC-4 : AST/EDT
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From direct family descent with affidavit attesting that the following described sword and sword belt were his when he was killed at the battle of Champion Hill on May 16, 1863. General Tilghman was a gallant soldier, he graduated from West Point in 1836, and saw American service in the Mexican war. He was in charge of the Kentucky State Guard at the beginning of the Civil War and his first Confederate command was with the 3rd Kentucky Infantry. He was promoted Brigadier General Oct 18, 1861, and over saw the construction of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. He was captured after the fall of Fort Henry and sent to prison at Fort Warren. After being exchanged he assumed command of a brigade at the Vicksburg campaign, where at the battle of Champions Hill he was killed when struck in the chest by a fragment of a cannon ball. The sword here being offered is a Horstmann maker marked officer's sword with a 30-1/2" etched blade. There is a finely scratched description, as can be seen in photos, which reads in the fuller about 19" from ricasso "WJM from Col. Tilghman Sep..18.." It almost appears when glinted properly in the light that this date on blade could read 1857, but it could read 1861, which both dates could make sense as Tilghman was in the Kentucky State Guards prior to the war (1857?) and he was a Col. in the Confederate Army in Sept. 1861. It is most unusual to see a 31" sword blade stuck in a scabbard that will hold a 35" blade, but that is what we have and there is no doubt this grouping has descended and displayed in family for over 100 years this way. The scabbard this sword is held is a scabbard for a cavalry saber with a contemporary orig inscription "SWORD WORN BY BRIG. GENL. LLOYD TILGHMAN C.S.A. WHEN KILLED IN BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL MASS MAY 16, 1863" Obviously the inscription meant to read Champions Hill Miss. not Mass. The accompanying sword belt is unusual in that it is patent leather with a Model 1832 interlocking "US" enlisted sword belt plate, however this rig appears contemporary for its time of use. It is interesting to note that since the discovery of this sword and belt a full plate ambrotype of Gen. Tilghman has surfaced, taken by Rees of Richmond, VA circa early 1863 and Tilghman appears to be wearing this very belt and sword scabbard, however the sword is cavalry pattern which would be correct for this sword. However family history shows this configuration of foot officer's sword in cavalry scabbard to have descended in family. After Gen Tilghman's death, Gen. Grant signed and forwarded across enemy lines to Gen. Tilghman's Adjutant an order authorizing the personal effects of Gen. Tilghman to travel safely through enemy lines to his family in Massachusetts (including the sword and flag of Gen. Tilghman). This orig order, along with Gen. Tilghman's presentation sword, is on display in the Civil War Museum in Bardstown, KY. We can only speculate why a foot officer's sword with a presentation from Tilghman is found in his cavalry scabbard. It would be interesting to research who "WJM" was, who Tilghman orig gave this sword and why he did not retain it. We are offering Tilghman's sword belt and sword as descended in family. Also included in this lot is a signed, hand-written letter from Gen. Tilghman to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. This letter is 1-1/4 pgs, on 8.5" x 11" lined paper, dated October 21, 1862 and is addressed to "His Excellency Jefferson Davis". The letter is regarding the appointment of his son as aide-de-camp. Of his son, Lloyd Tilghman, Jr., he says in part: "Though a youth of only seventeen, his gallantry in the attack on Clarksville by the troops under Command of Col. [illegible] of the Cavalry, which resulted in the Capture of that place, gives evidence of usefulness". He continues with his recount of the completion of "the duties assigned me by the Sect. of War." Heavy toning around the edges on both the recto and the verso, leaving a rectangular pattern in the middle. Additionally accompanied by a CDV of Tilghman in very good condition that was published by F. Anthony. PROVENANCE: Direct family descent. CONDITION: Sword and scabbard are overall very good. Inscription on sword blade and scabbard are easily discernible as can be seen in photos. Scabbard has several small dents, but is otherwise smooth with untouched patina, with scattered staining, rust and pitting. Sword blade has old sharpening, but is overall gray/bright. The inscription which reads "WJM from Col. Tilghman Sep.. 18.." is not easily discernible other than what is quoted here. Hilt is loose due to lack of protective washer. Finely twisted brass wire wrap is mostly intact, though loose and there is a copper wire repair as can be seen in photos. The Russian knot which has been utilized with a sewn hook to display the sword is sound. Brass exhibits mustard colored patina. Sword belt is complete and fairly sound with large areas of crazing and cracking over much of its surfaces. Both sword hangers are complete and intact, though the longer of the two has a contemporary repair to its last 8" with no black finish like the rest of belt and hangers and is broken in 2 at the attachment buckle.††Letter with heavy toning around the edges on both the recto and the verso, leaving a rectangular pattern in the middle. 4-47520 JS22
Auction Location:
203 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, United States
Previewing Details:
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