LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Signature Texana Auction #661  / 

56383

M1850 Foot Officer's Sword Inscribed to Lt.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:5,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
M1850 Foot Officer's Sword Inscribed to Lt.
<B>M1850 Foot Officer's Sword Inscribed to Lt. James Weltman of the 12th Texas Regiment </B></I> of Infantry CSA. Weltman mustered into the regiment on December 17, 1861 at Camp Herbert, Texas and served with the regiment until his resignation on January 16, 1864, with an interval of sick leave from August to November of 1863. The 12th/8th Texas Infantry was part of the 1st brigade of Maj. Gen. John Walker's Texas Division, the largest unit in the Confederate Army composed entirely of troops from one state. The division was referred to by Union troops as "Walker's Greyhounds" out of respect for their repeated and rapid long distance marches throughout, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, often appearing in the front of Union forces where they were least expected. The unit was sporadically engaged throughout Weltman's tenure with the regiment, including the Red River Campaign, Bayou Barbeaux and Pleasant Hill. The regiment disbanded on May 19th, 1865. They did not surrender, were not captured, and simply departed for their homes with everything they could carry. The sword is a regulation M1850 foot officer's made by Ames with the Ames logo "<I>Ames Mfg Co./Chicopee/Mass</B></I>" incorporated into the reverse blade etched just above the ricasso. Although the blade etching is rather heavily worn as the result of both age and use, the US in the center of the reverse, is quite distinct and has been altered, obviously during the period to CS by neatly removing a small section of the U. This detail has been noted on a number of other US swords that were adopted for Confederate use, a wonderful touch. Standard form brass hilt with "<I>Liut [sic] Jas. Weltman</B></I>" neatly engraved in shaded block letters on the top of the reverse counter guard. Fish skin grip with twisted brass wire wrap. Retains the original leather washer. No scabbard which doubtless explains the dark aging of the blade. An unquestionably authentic Confederate Texas sword, loaded with character in superb 'attic' condition. <BR><BR>Smooth dark untouched blade retains vestiges of the etch with hand engraved details. The Ames logo and altered US are quite distinct. Brass hilt retains about 30% of the original gilt, the balance, including the inscription, a brown to black untouched patina. The quillon is slightly bent. Fish skin grip and brass wire wrap perfect. Overall simply reeks of character and authenticity.<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>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot