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

72190

CONFEDERATE OFFICERS FIELD & STAFF SWORD W/ LEAT

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:60,000.00 - 65,000.00 USD
CONFEDERATE OFFICERS FIELD & STAFF SWORD W/ LEAT
<B>CONFEDERATE OFFICERS FIELD & STAFF SWORD W/ LEATHER SCABBARD; by L. T. Cunningham, College Hill Arsenal, Nashville, Tennessee</B></I> This sword is engraved on the throat of the top mount in English script:<BR><BR><I>Lt. E. M. Johnston<BR>Com. A 11th<BR>Miss. Regt.</B></I><BR><BR>Lieutenant Johnston was part of a unit that was formed at Oxford and Corinth, Mississippi and fought at First Manassas, Antietam, and Gettysburg. It was at that monumental battle that they were on the left flank of the famed 'Pickett's Charge'.<BR><BR>L. T. Cunningham at the College Hill Arsenal located in Nashville manufactured swords for the State of Tennessee, the Confederate Government, and private individuals until the fall of Nashville to the Federal Troops April 1, 1861. This example is etched on both sides of the blade to within 5¾” of the tip. The right side of the blade is etched with a scroll pattern, the presentation panel is blank. The left side of the blade is distinctively etched with a 1st National Confederate flag and the letters “CSA.” The blade length is 30 3/8”, the overall length of the sword is 36.” The blade is bright and shiny with minor pitting and has its original red leather washer. The hilt of the sword is the field & staff pattern with the “CS” in the guard; the pommel is unadorned. The leather and twisted brass wire wrap are original to the sword. The scabbard, which appears to be contemporary with the sword and is one of two examples known, is an Ames Manufactured product and is beautifully engraved with Lt. E. M. Johnston's name and company. Both the sword and mounts of the scabbard retain the majority of the original gold gild. This is an excellent example of the College Hill Arsenal field & staff officers' sword that is identified to its user.<BR><BR> <B>Provenance:</B></I> <I>The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR> <BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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