Antique and Civil War Swords. Buyer and Appraiser of Confederate, Tiffany and Ames Swords

4000 - I feel extremely fortunate to be offering the "Richard Johnson Collection of United States Officers Swords" on my website. I have known Dick for nearly 20 years and have found him to be one of the most educated collectors that I have ever met. Maybe even more impressive to me is that Dick is, and has always been, a consumate gentleman. The impression that Dick leaves with everyone he meets has always been extremely positive and long-lasting. My wife loves him to death and both of us feel lucky to be regarded as his friends. He is still in great health and enjoying his life as I write, but he feels it's time divest of his collection to pursue other interests. The scope and quality of Dick's collection deem it as one of the best ever assembled, rivaling the famed "Medicus Collection" brought to market by the most popular military dealer in modern history, Norm Flayderman, in the 1950's. Although Dick's collection is not as large, the extreme rarity of some of Dick's swords is incomparable and over 50 are inscribed to Military Officers. This may be the last of the great sword collections ever offered all at once and presents a unique opportunity to our clientele. If you see something you like, give us a call.
Richard Johnson biography by Author John H. Thillmann. Having assembled one of the finest collections of American Swords in private hands over the 60+ years that he actively sought only the best examples of American Militaria, Dick Johnson has finally decided that it's time to let others have the joy of owning his treasures in 2010. He asked me, John Thillmann, his long-time friend and whom Dick had tutored on American Swords, to develop a program for disposing of the collection. Our discussions lead to bringing Michael Simens into the picture. Michael as a dealer has a reputation for handling only the best items and also has the finest internet Militaria site on the web. So, today the Dick Johnson collection is being offered here on this site and no where else. Dick’s collection is and always has been focused on one thing—quality. He only bought the best and he used the mantra “I pay tomorrows prices today” so that he could get the best. His collection spans the period of American Swords from the 1790’s through about 1900 but focuses on the golden age of American swords of 1830 through 1865. Dick’s fascination with the American sword resulted in ground breaking research in the field so he was the expert whom others consulted. As a resident of the Northern Virginia area for much of his life, Dick was close to most of the premier Civil War and Militaria Shows where fine American Swords were and are occassionally still available. He was and is a superb researcher, writer, authority and author. Dick graduated from the US Military Academy with the goal of being a logician with Quartermaster duty as he felt it was one of the military disciplines that translated into civilian life. After the clean-up of WWII in Germany, his first real Army campaign was with the Berlin Air Lift but he also served in Korea and Viet Nam as Chief of Plans and Operations decorated with the Legion of Merit. Knowing that he needed a civilian career, he received a Masters Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Chiago and this is also when he began his serious research on US military regulations. He purchased his first antique firearm, an 1807 Harpers Ferry pistol from Glode Requa in 1950 for $185.00. By the 1970’s he slowly transitioned from an extensive collection of firearms and an extraordinary white buff leather collection to concentrate on American swords. The rest is history. He has been instrumental in forging long lasting friendships among the premiere American arms collectors of the second half of the 20th Century and he and Andy Mowbray have been instrumental in beginning serious research into the American Sword in the last 35 years. Dick conducted ground-breaking research into the first US contracts for Army sabers in 1839 and identified the actual sword models of 1834 through US Archives research. His body of published work was based upon research as only an academically trained author would carry out and it instilled that focus in others. His work influenced many others and among them was me. I took Dicks absolute focus on research into my two definitive sword reference books for which Dick was both the principle editor and a primary reference associate, Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers and The Civil War Army Swords. Dick is a member of the two most prestigious American Militaria Societies, the American Society of Arms Collectors and the Company of Military Historians and has been a member of many other Antique Weapons associations and societies over the years. - - - John H. Thillmann May 7, 2010

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- WELCOME TO THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION OF FINE AMERICAN OFFICERS SWORDS AND SABRES SPANNING THE PERIOD from 1790 - 1906.
ALL ITEMS ARE PRICED AS MARKED PLUS SHIPPING.

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3116 - EAGLE-HEAD MILITIA STAFF OFFICERS SWORD WITH PEARL GRIP, BY FLETCHER & GARDINER.
This Early form of Militia Staff Eagle pommel sword is by Fletcher and Gardiner. The style is certainly militia staff but the counter guard clearly identifies this as a sword for an artillery officer. The overall guard with mother of pearl grip, wonderful eagle quillon and rarely seen artillery counter guard make this eagle pommel sword hilt wonderful. The blade makes a sword as the expression goes among sword collectors and this blade is no exception as it is in wonderful condition with beautiful etching on a frosted background. The American Eagle is especially fine. This sword has elements of Widmann in its style especially with the knuckle bow and ferrule of the hilt and the scabbard with its embossed finish. If Widmann made the sword, it was retailed by Fletcher & Gardner and their mark is scarce.

$ 9,500.00
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3110 - IMPORTANT, STATE OF NEW JERSEY PRESENTATION MILITIA STAFF OFFICERS SWORD.
Mexican War State of New Jersey presented sword to Captain William J. Montgomery. This sword assembled by Ball Tompkins and Black of NY City is highly ornate and simply covered in fine tight engraving overall. It is likely Ames made as a high grade Militia Staff sword of the 1840 period but BT&B embellished. The faceted silver grip is engraved, the fine and ornately cast cruciform guard is chased and the langet has a silver cast state seal and a double chain form the guard, and is tied to a very fancy crested helmet pommel. The brass gilt scabbard is completely covered in very fine engraving and has very unusual suspension ring mounts in the shape of hands clasping the rings. Its blade is a typical elliptical center fuller style associated with the Militia Staff swords of the period and it is elaborately etched in very fine condition. This presentation was for Gallant conduct at a number of battles in the War with Mexico by the State of New Jersey for one of its heroes, among the more notable engagements mentioned were Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec Castle and City of Mexico, the last two major battles of the war. Because of the high sheen of the original bright gold remaining on the surfaces especially the scabbard it is very difficult to be able to adequately photograph the presentation. This sword is one of the very rare Mexican War presented examples which we have previously mentioned are probably in the order of one Mexican War presented sword for every 400 to 500 Civil War presentations.

$ 40,000.00
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3104 - CIVIL WAR OFFICERS SWORD, OUTSTANDING, HIGHEST GRADE SAUERBIER STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD WITH HISTORICAL PRESENTATION.
“Col. James Biddle from Co. B 71st Ind. Vols 1863”. Sauerbier hilts come in a variety of styles, with this type being a type 3. It is the highest grade of hilt style usually on cavalry sabers but is also occasionally used on Sauerbier infantry officer’s swords as is this example. Stylistically similar sabers (hilts and scabbards) can be found on pages 359-363 of Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers as they all have type three hilt with a silver or pewter grip and scabbards with the double oak leaf and acorn framed mounts and drag, but this exact sword in some detail is found on page 359 of Civil War Army Swords. This fancy Sauerbier type three hilt was also used by Emerson & Silver although it is believed to be a Sauerbier made element as it is more often seen on their swords and sabers. Pommel caps of these swords have a tang mound covered in the same material as found on the scabbard mount inserts and this is the case here all of the inserts are Mother of Pearl. On this hilt in addition to the Mother of Pearl tang cover carved into a large bust of Washington is also a small Mother of Pearl oval carved insert of a US shield on the heal of the pommel cap. The blade as is sometimes the case with Sauerbier swords is a Clauberg example that retains original etching, frosting and much gold wash. Furthermore, the scabbard has five more Mother of Pearl inserts carved in various Masonic symbols. Couple this with a heavily gilt hilt and scabbard and the whole is a very fine handsome high grade sword.

SOLD ! !
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3097 - MEXICAN WAR SWORD WITH STUNNING PRESENTATION FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
This is a beautiful, High Grade, Ball Tompkins and Black Mexican War presentation to Col. Ferris Forman from the State of Illinois for services during the Mexican War. There are a handful of these presentations known to exist. Case and sword, near mint.

$ 40,000.00 - Reduced to $35,000.00
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3095 - U. S. MARINE MAMELUKE STYLE SWORD, HISTORICALLY INSCRIBED.
“To the Shores of Tripoli” goes the Marine Corps hymn. That part of the North African military history played by a small USMC detachment seeking to free the American shipping trade of the annual tribute and bribes to the Barbary Pirates is what inspired the USMC to adopt the Mameluke style of short saber for officers. This wonderful example was made by F.W. Widmann and is identified to Issac T. Doughty, inscribed “I.T. Doughty, / Marine Corps”. Early 19th Century identified USMC Mameluke swords are at the top of the heap of historic Naval weapons for rarity, desirability and being irreplaceable on today’s or in any previous antiques market. From its ivory hilt, brass scabbard and to the fine blade, this sword is in exceptional condition exhibiting all of the features of such a wonderful historically rare antique. F.W. Widmann swords are fairly scarce and they are also early being most often found in the 1830’s and 1840’s. This USMC officer’s sword a highly desirable example of a very rarely encountered type. It should occupy a treasured place in one of the finer American arms collections.

SOLD !!!
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3093 - AMES, MODEL 1840 ARTILLERY OFFICERS SABER WITH ETCHED-BLADE PRESENTATION .
Ames Model 1840 Artillery Officers Sabers are extremely scarce because that model of saber was a regulation sidearm for mounted officers and officers of the light artillery from 1840 through 1850 only. The post 1850 Model 1840 sabers were not allowed by regulation so would have been for state regimental officers only. The wonderful history of these Ames sabers is that they were probably produced beginning in 1844 after the S&K sabers were introduced into the Army and no longer allowed by 1850 so only in use by regulation for 6 years—that is why the saber is scarce and the Ames Springfield addressed sabers are extremely scarce and desirable. This saber is not only a scarce pattern but has wonderful history as well. The saber is etched “J. Munroe USA” on the blade. John Munroe was the 94th graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point in 1814. He had a spectacular military history all of it as an officer of the US Artillery. His service was in campaigns against the Black Hawks, Florida Indians, on the Northern Frontier, Military Occupation of Texas, Mexican War, Florida again, Commanding Officer Department of the Platte in Dakota Territory during the silver and gold rush. In addition he was given the distinction of serving as the Military and Civil Governor of New Mexico in 1849 and 1850, He received numerous Brevet promotions and served as Chief of Artillery for General Zachary Taylor during Taylor’s service in the War with Mexico and being singled out for brevet promotions in the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista. He was a full Colonel of Artillery when he passed on the cusp of the US Civil War in April of 1861. This saber is not only a rare Ames manufactured US Army saber, but it is in tremendous original condition. The hilt retains all of its original heavy gilt finish, the grip is perfect, the blade is beautifully etched with the fat Springfield address style, and early Ames etching and of course is also etched “J. Munroe / USA” in a panel. However, the most spectacular and rarely seen feature of this saber is the scabbard which sterling silver foil covered with all of its original foil remaining. All in all, this is a saber deserving of a museum collection which is national in scope or in one of the finest American Arms collections.

SOLD ! ! !
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3084 - RARE, MEXICAN WAR PRESENTATION GENERAL OFFICERS SWORD OF 1840. COLONEL OF U.S. DRAGOONS !!!
A Mexican War presented Model of 1840 General Officers Sword by Gebruder Weyersberg. This M1840 General Officers Sword was presented to Colonel E. G. W. Butler of the United States 3d Regiment of Dragoons by the Citizens of Iberville, Louisiana. Mexican War presented swords are rare to begin with but to have one presented to a Colonel of United States Dragoons is exceptional. The sword has a fine silver grip offset but the heavily applied gilt finish of the hilt, including a semiprecious stone in the guard. The shell counter guard is also adorned with a foliate around its edge and a fine cast United States shield. The blade is deeply etched in the expected martial patterns and a large US. The scabbard is gilt and engraved overall along with the presentation engraving. Colonel Butler’s sword was presented to him as a favorite son when he was the Major General of the state of Louisiana Militia. As the Colonel of the US third Dragoons he served I the Upper Rio Grande during 1847 and 1848. His service spans the War with Mexico and the frontier action against Indians when the US Army was otherwise engaged in Mexico.

SOLD ! !
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3080 - WAR OF 1812 AMERICAN EAGLE-POMMEL OR EAGLE-HEAD OFFICERS SWORD.
This is a beautiful 1810 to 1820 American Eagle Pommel Sword. While it has a simple reverse P shaped guard the eagle pommel is beautifully cast and chased with a nice smooth blackstrap the terminates in a nicely formed ferrule. The nicely aged but very clean ivory grip is carved in a spiral for two thirds and bounded by a foliate carved band then smooth to the pommel. The languets are wonderfully formed to resemble an Eagle about to take flight and look almost like a Phoenix. The blade is a beautiful blue and gold with military trophies and an American Eagle and Arms on the Obverse. A leather scabbard with wide cut out gilt brass mounts set this sword off in a most handsome manner. All of the brass elements are beautifully gilt with almost all of the original finish remaining. This eagle pommel sword will compliment and indeed stand out in any collection of American Arms.

$ 7,000.00
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3079 - PRESENTATION SWORD FROM THE CITIZENS OF SAVANNA, GEORGIA TO A MILITIA AND LATER CONFEDERATE OFFICER. MANUFACTURED BY HORSTMANN.
A spectacular one of a kind sword, it follows no prescribed style but rather is made in a “free hand style” as a testimony to an individual officers’ worth by those presenting it. The hilt is solid silver, the scabbard is solid silver and the whole is both uniquely cast and finely engraved in a watch makers engraving style. This sword was ordered through Horstmann & Sons but was undoubtedly partially made by a jeweler as it is not a Horstmann style. The blade is W&C from the firm of Kirshbaum and Company, in a spearpoint style. This sword is a Southern presentation to 1st Lt. WM H. Davis. He was a Georgia Officer and was presented with it in 1850 by the Republican Blues which were originally formed in 1808. The sword was presented to Davis as a member of the company who had joined in 1828 and risen through the ranks to second in command. In 1861 he commanded Davis’s Company of Olmstead’s Regiment of the 1st Georgia Volunteers duiring the Civil War, serving at Fort Pulaski and various other locdations along the Georgia coast. He passed in 1866 in Savannah. This sword is spectacular in the quality of the silver casting and the beautiful intrecate overall engraving. The ivory grip is also a wonderful mellow color. It deserves to be in a fine collection among other truly fine Militaria or even objects of fine art—this is a great sword. THIS SWORD IS FROM THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION WHICH HAS ITS OWN SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE. TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN, "RICHARD JOHNSON" ICON.

SOLD !!!
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3071 - CIVIL WAR TIFFANY PRESENTATION SWORD, CASED WITH ACCESSORIES AND MORE.
One of the finest condition Tiffany Swords known by either John Thilmann or myself, this sword was front and center in Dick Johnson's home for many years under a glass case. It is historically inscribed on a mounted silver plaque on the scabbard body as presented to Robert A. Hutchins for gallantry at South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. The entire sword is near mint with deluxe, gold-gilted hilt (with Roman Soldier Armor Motifs) mounts and drag. The grip and scabbard body are silver. The case contains Hutchins' sword sash and sword belt as well as a gold mounted riding crop, also with inscribed presentation to Hutchins, a gold-bullion sword knot and brass belt plate with the numeral "7", depicting the New York National Guard Unit that presented him with this spectacular sword. I can't say enough about how impressive this sword is in person. Hutchins had great history and there is a large volume of material about him that accompanies the cased sword. Everything about this set is nearly new condition. This is undoubtedly one of the finest Museum Quality Tiffany Swords to come on the market in years. THIS SWORD IS FROM THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION WHICH HAS ITS OWN SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE. TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN, "RICHARD JOHNSON" ICON.

SOLD !!!
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3069 - RARE, HORSE-HEAD POMMEL, SILVER-HILT AMERICAN OFFICERS SABRE.
rare and desirable Horse Head Pommel sword by C&JD Wolf of New York. This is a rare one with a really finely made horse-head hilt. The grip is near perfect, the blade with most of its original fire-blue and gold-wash. The silver mounts are fine and the scabbard though a bit thin and weak, is still sound with no damage. A great sword. THIS SWORD IS FROM THE RICHARD JOHNSON COLLECTION WHICH HAS ITS OWN SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE. TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN, "RICHARD JOHNSON" ICON.

SOLD ! ! !
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3066 - SPIES EAGLEHEAD-POMMEL ARTILLERY OFFICERS SABRE.
This is a spectacular SPIES Eagle Pommel Artillery Officers sword. It has a hilt cast in a three dimensional and to-scale cannon tube cross guard with applied three dimensional free spinning wheels which also function as the swords languets. This Eagle pommel sword uses a heavy thick twisted rope for a knuckle bow terminating in the eagles open beak and on the other extremity wraps around the cannon barrel. The grip is of carved ivory, having a feather cast back-strap from the eagle pommel to the guard under a ferrule that is relief cast in a feather design. The pipe backed blade is etched SPIES near the ricasso within the blade etching. The brass scabbard is engraved in a fine foliate style that utilizes a background stippling style which has the effect of a frosted appearance thereby bringing out the foliated engraving to resemble etching thereby creating a wonderful design. The suspension ring mounts are applied foliate loops while the drag embellishment includes a bundle of arms and liberty cap on a pole with a flower finial for the drag crest. What a very rare and highly desirable sword motif for an artillery officer of the period and for the modern sword collector who wants only the best!

$ 9,500.00
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3047 - AMES, MODEL 1834 OFFICERS SWORD.
The Ames Model 1834 Officers Sword for Artillery, Infantry or Ordinance is very rare in fine condition. An inspected and dated sword, it was this sword that was ordered by the Ordnance Department but then at the last minute Secretary of War Lewis Cass refused payment by the government. Ames was required to bill officers for it directly and it almost led to the bankruptcy of the firm. Many other interesting elements to this story and this exact sword are found in and depicted on page 67 of Civil War Army Swords. This example is in exceptional condition, the blade retains its original bright etching and dark frosty background. Rare and desirable, this is a sword worthy of any advanced collection.

$ 7,000.00
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3035 - OUTSTANDING EAGLE-HEAD OFFICERS SWORD.
3035

SOLD ! ! !
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3029 - CIVIL WAR, NON-REGULATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD WITH RARE, GOLD WASHED BLADE.
This Non Regulation British Rifle Pattern Clauberg sword is in about as fine condition as could be found on the collectors market. This exact sword is found on page 399 of Civil War Army Swords. The hilt is cut out steel having a back strap with ears and a sharkskin grip. The blade is marked “W. Clauberg Solingen” at the ricasso and retains its wonderful gilt background within the frosted areas. This blade does not have the small single panel etching rather it is etched at least for ½ of the blade showing off this exceptional blade with motifs such as “For Union and Liberty”. The scabbard is brown steel and retains almost all of that original finish with gilt brass suspension rings. For sword collectors the quality of a sword is often measured by the condition of the blade and in this case the blade is exceptional. The overall sword with this exceptional blade makes this example a rare one among the number of Non-Regulation swords that dome on the market.

$ 4,000.00
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3026 - EXTREMELY RARE, PRESENTATION HIGH-GRADE CAVALRY OFFICERS SABRE WITH CARVED IVORY GRIPS.
At the top of the sword collectors list are the carved ivory grippd swords and this example of a high grade Clauberg cavalry officer’s saber is among the finest known. It is in exceptional condition with the very rarely seen and highly desirable “US Cavalry” etched blade. Everyting is presentation quality, hilt, blade and a beautiful engraved German silver scabbard with high relief gilt mounts and boot style drag. Words can not do this saber justice, while just a look at the photographs of this beautiful saber are only a small taste of how wonderful the real thing is. This saber is depicted on the cover of Civil Wasr Cavalry and Artillery Sabers and is also prominately shown and described on pages 154 and 155. It can not be improved upon and will be a center piece of any serious collection. Dick Johnson has prized this saber as part of his collection for many years. Excellent overall condition.

SOLD ! ! !
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3024 - PRESENTATION, HIGH GRADE AMES CIVIL WAR CAVALRY OFFICERS SABRE.
Ames Model 1860 Cavalry Officers Sabers are the most eagerly sought after swords by collectors and this beautiful saber with an exceptional scabbard shows why. The hilt is a classic Model 1860 Ames Cavalry Officers example but it is in absolutely wonderful condition; sharkskin grip retains all of its sparkling sharkskin dyed black grip, and with all of the gilt finish remaining on the guard and pommel cap. The blade retains 100% of its charcoal background to the beautiful etching. This wonderful high grade scabbard is a type that is very rarely seen on Ames cavalry sabers. It is composed of a gilt brass body that is beautifully engraved with the classic Ames panoply of arms on the lower third, and having relief cast and engraved suspension ring mounts and boot style drag. Note also that the top suspension mount has a set of double rings a rare feature and the scabbard throat reverse is in very fine needle engraved Ames Mfg Chicopee, which is found on only the finest of their scabbards. Scabbards of this type are more often seen on high grade presentation quality 1850 Staff & Field swords with only a handful of cavalry examples known. It is also found on pages 93-94 of Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers.

SOLD ! ! !
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3003 - Federal period Silver Eagle-hilt sword.
Silver hilts in the 1790 to 1820 period are found in a number of different styles and the larger or the more unusual that the eagle pommel is found in, the more desirable the sword becomes. This example is a Philadelphia style reminiscent of the Rowland sword in the shape of the carved ivory grip made to fit the hand. The very large eagle pommel is an unusual form and some collectors refer it to the Parrot style. The sterling silver strip guard has a nicely formed reverse P shape and had a very unusual Quillon shape terminating in a disk. The blade form is the classic saber of a mounted officer and this blade has a large fuller and hatchet tip in shape. The scabbard is in very fine condition and also is mounted with fine silver furniture. A great Silver-hilt.

SOLD ! ! !
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474 - REVOLUTIONARY WAR HORSEMANS SABRE.
This is a great, triple-fullered Rev War Horsemans Sabre with a virtually perfect grip & wrap and a massive blade with much of its original fire blue and purple tinted finish. This is the classic that everyone is looking for in Rev War and second only in popularity to the famed "Potter". I used to have one of the best known Potters, and still cringe when I think that I sold it as I got tired of looking for a set of silver mounted officers pistols to go with it. About six weeks later, I found a great set of the pistols. Now, I'm looking for a another Potter. That's the way it goes.

SOLD !!!
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273 - CONFEDERATE CIVIL WAR SWORD - VERY FINE CONDITION CONFEDERATE BOYLE & GAMBLE STAFF & FIELD OFFICERS SWORD.
This wonderfull sword popped out of an old barn in Youngstown, Ohio a few years ago. The new owner that bought it off the farm had my business card from the Mansfield, Ohio Civil War show and finally gave me a call. We sat in my dining room for 2 hours and finally worked out a deal. When he first uncovered it, I was really bummed that it was missing the drag and a little bit of leather off the end of the scabbard. Civil War Preservations was kind enough to spare a small piece of original top-stiched B&G scabbard for me, and I had the best restoration artist in the world fabricate a near perfect drag to the leather. The repair is virtually imperceptable. This is a great Confederate S&F. The guard is a beautifull, deep brown patina with generous amounts of gold gilt gleeming through and a bold CS incorporated into the scrollwork. It has one of the best grips I've ever seen with all the original leather save for a few small flakes that have blended with wear and all the original wire. The blade, with typical unstopped fuller and the usual B&G casting flaws, shows almost all its original etch, with crossed flags & cannons and a host of scrolling and tobacco leaves, all a bit light but still there and visable. The mounts and drag patina match that of the guard perfectly. It also retains an original braided sword knot that was found with the sword, undoubtedly with it since its period of use. This is a great sword that I have no doubt will be appreciated as such. It is free of dents to any brass and there is virtually no flaking or severe creasing and crackling to the leather. It doesn't have that battered and uncared for look. It was an old veteran that was placed in a trunk after the war, and save for the drag restoration is untouched retaining all its original patina.

SOLD !!!
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S1025 - "POTTER" REVOLUTIONARY WAR HORSEMAN'S SABER.
We're very pleased to be offering one of the rarest and most desirable items we have ever had the pleasure to find, an original Revolutionary War "Potter" Horseman's Sabre, one of only three known to exist with its complete leather scabbard. You can look at all the books and talk to all the collectors and so-called "experts" about Rev War edged weapons, but there is only one bonafide Rev- War sabre that we know was ordered by the Continental Congress and recorded as being there, and that is "The Potter". The Potter Horsemans Sabre is THE "Blue Chip" Revolutionary War Edged Weapon, much the same as Ames Swords are to the Civil War and Colt Single Actions are to the Western enthusiast. This may well be a once in a lifetime opportunity to own such a historic, museum quality item from the Revolutionary War. I was fortunate to have purchased this item from the late William Guthman through a mutual friend. Bill was best known nationally for his work on PBS's Antiques Roadshow, and this was one of many items featured on a TV program that highlighted some of Bill's collection last year. It was prized by Bill as it is by me, but I can't afford to keep everything I'd like to. If you would like the opportunity to own one of the best pieces of early American Weaponry ever offered, this may be the only one you'll get. All three complete Potters are very similar in condition and all three are impressive with massive 35" long blades that are nearly 2" wide. The grip is 6 1/2" long!!! I have placed a Colt 5" Pocket revolver next to the sabre to help scale the size of the massive sabre. Several Potters were reproduced to scale and featured in the movie "The Patriot" starring Mel Gibson. Call for details.

SOLD !!!
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SE-911 - FEDERAL PERIOD, SILVER HILTED HORSEMAN'S SABER OF COLONEL CHARLES MYNN THRUSTON, PERSONAL FRIEND AND COLONEL UNDER GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Extremely important sabre with outstanding Patriotic Motifs, " LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE " in gold wash, 1" high on one side, FEDERAL EAGLE w/ E PLURIBUS UNUM OVER DATE "1783" ON THE REVERSE. Obviously a commemoration of the War for Independence. Traces of original fire blue and gold gilt on the blade. Massive silver mounts on repaired scabbard. In very fine overall condition, with full documentation and notarized affidavits from the family. Thruston was a personal friend and officer who served under Washington, and moved to Kentucky and then on to Louisiana after the war. The Battle of New Orleans was fought on his plantation, and many of his offspring served in the Military including many of the famed Conrad family of Kentucky and Louisiana, one becoming a General, and others Confederate officers. A unique opportunity to own a very special piece of American history.

SOLD !!!!!
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