SOLD
67,500.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2005 Oct 04 @ 16:16UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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GENERAL LEONIDAS POLK'S CONFEDERATE CALVARY OFFICER'S SABER AND OTHER POLK FAMILY MEMORABILIA. This sword is the only identified Confederate General's sword we know of to ever come to auction with family lineage. Sword and memorabilia listed here descended in the family of Michael Adamson from his mother, Mary Anthony Polk Adamson, with accompanying affidavit stating the sword has never been out of the family's hands. This grouping contains several editions of Polk biographies, family pictures, pocket watch, and excavated ten-pound parrot projectile, believed fired from the spot of the Union Artillery position that killed General Polk. A couple letters from General Polk to his wife, one wartime, one prewar. Wartime letter from Confederate General William Hardee to Polk and wartime letter from Confederate General A.P. Stewart to Polk. There is also a letter written by Polk to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. General Polk's sword is a Thomas, Griswold, New Orleans made cavalry officer's saber. General Polk's sword has a large hand engraved inscription between the two top scabbard mounts, which reads "PRESENTED TO GENERAL LEONIDAS POLK BY YOUR FRIEND, BISHOP STEPHEN ELLIOT, JANUARY 9, 1863". General Leonidas Polk was the Episcopal Bishop from Louisiana while Stephen Elliot was the Episcopal Bishop of Georgia. CONDITION: Cavalry saber is excellent overall in as -found condition. Grip is excellent with scuffing and wear to the highs spots. Blade is gray. Marked on ricasso "TG & CO. N.O.". Brass scabbard is excellent, showing scattered staining. Inventory of related family memorabilia is as follows: 1) A.L.S. Leonidas Polk to his wife Francis, dated May 27, 1864, two and one half pages. CONDITION: One quarter of the letter is torn away, not affecting text or signature. 2) A.L.S. Leonidas Polk to Jefferson Davis, dated August 29, 1861 on printed stationary "Headquarters Department No. 2, Memphis, Tenn." The content of the letter is a recommendation for Albert Sidney Johnston to an appointment commanding the entire Western Army. CONDITION: Very good. Two oval engravings of Polk and Johnston have been glued to the letter below Polk's signature. An early typed copy is included. 3) A.L.S. Major General Alex. P. Stewart to Leonidas Polk, Headquarters Fourth Brigade dated December 7, 1861, one page. Content is a request to retain certain companies in their current location in the field. CONDITION: Letter is mounted to a sheet of cardstock, accompanied by a typewritten copy. 4) A.L.S. Major General W.J. Hardee to Leonidas Polk, Headquarters Third Army Corps. dated May 13, 1862. Content requests Polk to send Dr. R.H. Taylor, surgeon, to join his regiment. CONDITION: Left margin of the letter is mounted to cardstock. Corners are frayed. Typewritten copy is included. 5) A.L.S. Alex. P. Stewart to Dr. J.C. Green, Westchester, PA on stationary printed "Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Commission" dated July 29, 1893. The content of the letter refers Dr. Green to the son of General Polk, Dr. D.M. Polk, in New York City. CONDITION: Excellent. 6) A.L.S. Leonidas Polk as Bishop of Louisiana to the Secretary of the Navy dated July 13, 1849. The content is a recommendation for the Reverend Jno. Buck to be appointed Chaplain in the US Navy. CONDITION: Very good. 7) Four carte de visite photographs of General Polk, two are early war bust views, one identified in period ink "Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk/C.S.A." both published by E. & H.T. Anthony, New York. Another of the same view back marked "Bishop Polk C.S.A" and the fourth, a period engraving printed on the front face "Rt. Rev. Maj. Gen'l Polk. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1861, by M.B. Brady in the ___". This back mark reads "Published by E. Anthony/501 Broadway,/New York./From/Photographic/Negative,/From/Brady's National/Portrait Gallery". A carte de visite image of President James K. Polk signed "Brady, New York, NY" on the front with an E. Anthony back mark CONDITION: All carte de visites are very good to excellent. 8) A pair of framed portraits, one an oval tinted albumen photograph of Francis Polk measuring 4" wide x 5-1/2" tall and a framed period engraving of General Polk all in period oval mats and gilt and gesso frames. CONDITION: Very good with light fading. Both frames are heavily chipped around the edges. 9) A framed period engraving being an oval portrait of Polk in uniform signed "Etched by Charles B. Hall, N.Y." in a late 19th century velvet frame. CONDITION: Image is very good, frame is heavily worn. 10) The following is a list of books from the Polk family: one two-volume set Leonidas Polk; Bishop and General by William M. Polk, M.D., LL.D. (Longman's Green & Co., New York, 1893). Leather bound with gold embossing and marble covers. CONDITION: Edges are worn. Light foxing throughout. Edges are dog-eared. A two-volume 1915 edition of the same work by the same publisher with linen covered board wraps, and another set of the 1915 edition that is leather bound and gold embossed. CONDITION: Very good. Leather bound set has loose and separated wraps. Other books include an 1861 Bible, an 1861 Hymn Book, and an 1856 Book of Common Prayer. CONDITION: These three smaller religious books are heavily used with tattered edges and worn wraps. 11) Fine quality officer's dining utensil set, including an ivory handled folding knife, fork, and corkscrew, a silver-plated folding cup, all mounted in a folding leather case with brass button closure. CONDITION: Excellent. 12) A French, silver-cased pocket watch made by A. Robert Shiffer & Fils/Chaux de Fonde to which is attached a twisted human hair watch fob and key with 14K gold clasp. CONDITION: The watch case is worn from use. It is mechanically excellent. The watch fob is fine. 13) An 1863 dated state of Louisiana fifty-dollar currency note depicting the portrait of General Polk on the face. CONDITION: Very fine. 14) A cased pair of high quality, French made binoculars covered in brown leather. The eyepieces are nickeled silver and the body is covered in brown leather. The case is of soft brown leather with a blue cotton lining. CONDITION: Leather on the binocular body is worn and scuffed. The case lid has been repaired. Overall, very good. 15) Finally, this lot includes a 12-lb parrot shell excavated in the vicinity from which the fatal shell that killed General Polk was launched. CONDITION: The shell has been conserved but remains heavily pitted and oxidized. General Polk was born on April 10, 1806 in Raleigh, North Carolina. A graduate of West Point in the Class of 1827, he resigned his commission several months after receiving it to enter the ministry in the Episcopal Church. Being an excellent preacher and clergyman, he was elected Bishop of Louisiana in 1841 and was ordained by his close friend and colleague the Right Reverend Stephen Elliott, who was the first bishop of Georgia. Elliott (born 1806, died 1916), a graduate of Harvard Law School and the bishop of Georgia, is named as the presenter of this magnificent Confederate sword. Polk, a friend of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, was persuaded to join the Confederate army in July of 1861. Commissioned as a Major General, he was assigned to oversee the fortification of the Mississippi River. He later commanded a Corps under General Albert Sidney Johnston. He fought bravely at Shiloh and Corinth and was promoted to command the Army of the Mississippi when Jefferson Davis reorganized his command in the west. Serving under Lieutenant General Braxton Bragg, Polk led his army at Perryville, Murfreesboro and Chickamauga. Polk proved to be a rather unsuccessful strategist at Chickamauga and General Bragg instituted a Court marshal against him. Politically strong, with friendships in Richmond, Polk successfully avoided prosecution and his Army of the Mississippi moved to North Georgia to help protect Atlanta. On June 14, 1864, during a conference with Confederate Generals Joseph Johnston and William Hardee, he was killed outright by an artillery projectile. 4-55779, 4-56159 CW31 (75,000-175,000)
Auction Location:
12 Lafayette Road, Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, United States
Previewing Details:
Monday, October 3, 2005: 10:00am-5:30pm EST
Tuesday, October 4, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
Wednesday, October 5, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
Thursday, October 6, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
See terms and conditions
Buyer's Premiums:
From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
SHIPPING:
If you are the successful bidder and are unable to attend the auction in person or pick up your item, we will pack and ship your item for you. The costs for shipping include labor at $22 per hour, packing material and cartons, insurance at $0.55 per $99 valuation, and actual invoiced shipping charges.
AFTER THE SALE:
An invoice will be sent in the mail within 5-7 business days. Included will be a form for shipping instructions and a form for payment method.
Payment Details:
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CONDITIONS OF SALE - PLEASE READ
Please be sure to read the conditions before participating in the sale.
For years, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. We have tried to apply this same principle in preparing this particular sale. So that you might know what the limitations are for this sale, we have tried to clearly outline the conditions below, which will specifically indicate how various circumstances will be handled.
1. GUARANTEE - We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. If you are a discerning, highly particular customer, expecting mint or near mint condition, it is advisable that you not ever submit absentee bids here or at any auction house without seeing the item in person. Since your definition of condition might be far more particular than what any cataloger would have time or space to specify. The entire purpose of our catalog description is to give our readers a general description and idea of what the lot is and we will stand behind that description regarding a major discrepancy only. If the discrepancy is less than a major discrepancy, under no circumstances would any adjustment or refund be made. Should the need arise, the auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the sale. Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalog unless we were able to contact you prior to the lot being sold and advise of this discrepancy. If we are unable to reach you or if time does not permit, we will not execute your bid. Please Note: the only thing we guarantee is what is in print in the catalog and what is announced from the block at the time of sale. Absolutely nothing discussed over the telephone or in person prior to the auction shall be construed as part of the guarantee. Since opinions can differ, particularly in the matter of condition, the auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of refunds. This guarantee is limited to the following time duration and limits. Please read:
A. TIME LIMIT: For live bidders it is expected that you have examined the items before you purchased them and that as you pick them up, you will re-examine them one last time. If there is a problem regarding condition, it is expected that you would notify us immediately before leaving the auction facility. If you are an absentee bidder then it is your responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is your responsibility to contact us immediately. Please note: All guarantees and options for refunds or adjustment become null and void 44 days after the auction. We pay consignors on the 45th day. Once we have paid our consignors we no longer have control for the payment and under no circumstances can we consider any refunds. If you suspect that there is a major discrepancy or problem with authenticity of your lot, it is your responsibility to contact our office before the 44 days are up and let us know that you need some extra time. We can usually make arrangements to extend the guarantee for a few days if you personally advise us. Please note: If you pay late and thus, receive your items late, it does not qualify for special privileges. The guarantee is null and void 44 days after the auction. It is your responsibility to pay for and acquire your purchases in a timely fashion. So if there is a major discrepancy, you have time to notify our office. Please remember that if you call us 46 days after the auction, there is nothing we can do about a major discrepancy except apologize to you. If you want to be considered for an adjustment or refund, it is your responsibility to notify us with 44 days after the auction.
B. LIMIT OF RESTITUTION: Under no circumstances will the auctioneer be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages. Refunds requested on the grounds of authenticity must be accompanied by at least a supporting written statement from an authority recognized by the auctioneers. Auctioneer will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post auction costs. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer’s responsibility to return it in the same condition as received.
C. TYPE OF RESTITUTION: An item that qualifies for an adjustment is limited to one of the following options:
1) Major problems, (i.e. fakes, significant alteration, major unannounced restoration, etc.) will result in full money back refund or adjustment in sale price or repair by the auctioneer. The auctioneer shall be the judge as to the final resolve.
2) Less than major problems or discrepancies are not part of the guarantee and no refund or adjustment will be considered for less than major problems.
2. RECEIPT OF GOODS - All goods sold will be tagged and can be claimed upon presentation of paid receipts ONLY. All items to be wrapped will be wrapped by the purchaser.
3. PROTESTED BIDS - In case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer is the sole determinant as to who is the successful bidder and at his discretion may re-offer and resell the article in dispute.
4. TAX - There is no sales tax in the State of New Hampshire, thus anything bought and paid for and removed the days of the auction in New Hampshire are non-taxable. However, if yours is an absentee bid and you later have it shipped from our Fairfield offices, again there is no sales tax. But, if you are an absentee bidder and elect to pick up and pay for your things in Maine, the things will then be subject to tax unless you have a sales tax certificate.
5. NOMINAL BIDS - The Auctioneer may reject nominal bids, small opening bids or very nominal advances made with purpose of disparaging an item. If a lot fails to open for 25% to 30% of the low estimate, the item may be passed from the block by the Auctioneer and may not be re-offered until a later sale.
6. ABSENTEE BIDS - Phone, fax or mail bids will be accepted with a 20% deposit, late bids or last minute bids can be confirmed with a Visa or MasterCard number, in many cases. In such case, the bookkeeper will execute such bids competitively. It is entirely possible to buy items by absentee bid for less than your top bid price. Please Note: Absentee bids are a service provided to our customers free of charge. Every effort is made to execute all absentee bids; however, you must know that this is not a perfect system neither here nor at any other auction house. In the event of an error of omission or failure to properly execute absentee bids, the auctioneer shall not be held liable.
7. TERMS - All items are to paid for in American funds at the day of the auction. Non-residents who have not established an account with us and wish to pay by check, must do so prior to the beginning of the auction by presenting a current letter of reference from their bank or by providing references which are suitable to the auctioneer. Absentee Bidders - Directly after the auction a bill will be sent to you for the items you purchased and a total amount due. This bill is due upon presentation and must be paid immediately. The auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank, if the auctioneer deems such action necessary to protect his interest.
8. INTEREST AND DEFAULT - Payment is due upon receipt. If the buyer’s invoice is not paid in full within 15 days of the auction, James D. Julia, Inc. has the right and will charge the buyer’s credit card of record on file for the total invoice amount. Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 1-1/2% monthly (18% APR) effective 15 days from the date of purchase/auction. Should the buyer not comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, the damage recoverable from the defaulter shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lot, together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales as well as any legal or collection fees incurred. James D. Julia, Inc. shall hold any money deposited in partial payment on account of any liability of the defaulted item.
9. RESERVES - Some items in this auction may carry a conservative reserve. Therefore, the auctioneer may bid on behalf of the owner or for the auction house. The purchaser will be the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below the low estimate in the catalog. Actual reserve figures cannot be divulged, but we will tell you if an item carries a reserve should you ask.
10. WITHDRAWAL - We reserve the right to withdraw any property before sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
11. TITLE - A title passes upon the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer. It will then be the responsibility of the buyer to make full payment prior to removing the goods from the premises. It is both the buyer’s risk and expense for removal and must be made at the conclusion of the sale unless other arrangements are made with the Julia’s Operations Manager. Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.
12. PHONE BIDS - At the discretion of the auctioneer, phone bidding may be arranged on more expensive items, (i.e. $500 or more). In order to make arrangements to bid on the telephone at the time a lot is being sold, you must contact our office in advance of the auction. We will make arrangements to call you just prior to the lot being sold so that you may bid over the telephone. There are usually a limited number of phone lines available into the room, so if you wish to bid over the telephone, it is important for you to make your arrangements early. “Cover-me Bids”: , if you wish to bid by telephone, you might also want to consider a “cover-me bid” at the time you make arrangements for phone bidding. A “cover-me bid” allows your phone contact here at Julia’s to still execute a predetermined bid amount for you in the case that they cannot get through to you on the telephone. Your phone agent is the only person who will have this bid and will only use it to bid in the event that he/she cannot reach you. Assuming you are reached via telephone, they would not use your bid, but rely on your verbal instructions.. “Cover-me bids” are not mandatory, you can place one at your discretion, they are simply a safety device in the event you cannot be reached by telephone in time.
13. AGENT RESPONSIBILITY - If you are registering or executing a bid for someone else under your number, please bear in mind that you are responsible for the settlement of that account with us regardless of whether the person you’re executing or registering for pays you or not.
14. BUYER’S PREMIUM - Shall be reduced to 20% of the final bid price, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. This is assuming the account is paid by check, cash or any equivalent of cash. If you settle your account by credit card the buyer’s premium then shall be the standard 22% of the final bid price which will be applied to each lot sold to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.
15. LEGAL DISPUTE - Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of Maine.
16. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE - The Maine Uniform Commercial Code, Title 11, Section 2-328 applies to this auction sale.
17. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS - Bidding on article(s) indicates your acceptance of all of the above terms.
18. MAINE AUCTIONEER RULES AND REGULATIONS - The Maine Auctioneer Rules and regulations are regulated by the Maine Board of Licensing of Auctioneers, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.
19. AUCTIONEER’S LICENSE NUMBERS: ME License #AR83; NH License #2511: Mass. License #1406
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.