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INSCRIBED CIVIL WAR NON-REGULATION STAFF AND FIEL

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
INSCRIBED CIVIL WAR NON-REGULATION STAFF AND FIEL
INSCRIBED CIVIL WAR NON-REGULATION STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER'S SWORD 34TH ILLINOIS VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY WITH BATTLE HONORS. A European made non-regulation iron hilted staff and field officer's sword of the type generally known as Peterson #75. The blade is nearly straight, measuring 32-3/4 in length with a sgl edge having etched decorations at the ricasso and in two panels on either side of the blade. One panel includes a spread winged American eagle in a sunburst, the opposite side "U.S." with scroll embellishments on either side. The ricasso has a small circular brass disc stamped "Proved," the opposite side is signed "F. Horster/Solingen". The hilt is of half-basket form fashioned of iron having a spread-winged eagle surmounting "U.S." in cut out fashion in the counterguard. The bird's head, pommel, and back strap are of iron, terminating in a ferrule at the base of the grip. The grip is wood covered in sharkskin and bound with triple strand copper wire. The scabbard is of steel with a flared throat, two sword ring mounts, and drag. Between the top and middle mount is the presentation all hand engraved in very well done, but vernacular form. The inscription reads "R.J. Heath/Lt. Co. 'A' 34 Ills. V.V.I.". There is an extensive list of battle honors all engraved across the face of the scabbard, which read as follows: "Shiloh" April 7, 1862/Siege of Corinth, May 1862/ ______ Nov 28 1862/"Triune" December 27, 1862/Stone River December 31 '62/January 1 1863/"Liberty Gap", June 25, 1863/ "M___ Ridge" Nov 26 1863/ "Buzzard Roost" May 9+10 1864/"Resacca" May 14, 1864/ "Rome" May 17, 1864/"Kenesaw" June 27, 1864/ Peach Tree Creek July 19 '64/"Siege of Atlanta" Aug '64/"Jonesboro" Sept 1st 1864/ "Siege of Savannah" December, 1864. A marvelous sword with a great inscription. It may be that there were several hands involved in engraving the battles, which may mean that they were added as this officer moved through this service. CONDITION: Good. Bblade has been cleaned and has a light gray patina. Iron hilt is dark and uncleaned. Grip shows heavy wear with losses to the sharkskin wrap of about 25%. Scabbard is dark. Areas of the light presentation and engraving are difficult to read but overall a marvelous and historic Civil War artifact. 4-57357 CW108 (4,000-6,000)"