Premier Firearms Auction #74

September 07, 2018 to September 09, 2018

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #74

September 07, 2018 to September 09, 2018

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-43 of 43 results

British Proofed DWM Model 1908 Military Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 496

British Proofed DWM Model 1908 Military Luger Pistol

Originally manufactured in Germany sometime prior to 1910, this Luger shows a police-style inventory number and proofs and markings consistent with the Birmingham proof house circa 1950; its exact path through the world is unrecorded, but it is plausible that it was a war trophy taken by a British sailor or trooper during World War II or the occupation of the British Zone of West Germany. Blade front and notch rear sights, with a blank chamber and "DWM" on the toggle. A set of "Imperial eagle" firing proofs are present on the left side of the barrel, extension and breechblock, with two "crown/gothic letter" proofs on the extension. Birmingham proofs (crown/circled letters) are present on the barrel, extension and breechblock, with "NOT ENGLISH MAKE" on the left side of the extension and a crossed sword proof marked "A B/6" on the right side of the frame. "22.P.3.1." is stamped on the front strap, suggesting issue to a police unit active in Potsdam. The back strap is smooth, made without a stock lug, and a 1908-pattern manual safety has been installed. Fitted with a set of checkered grips and a nickel finished wood base magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 555

Johnson Model 1941 Semi-Automatic Rifle

Blade front and adjustable 1,000 meter rear sights, the model and patent markings on top of the receiver, and a five-pointed star over "CRANSTON/ARMS/CO." in a triangle on the right side below the rear sight. The barrel is marked ".30-'06/41" on the flange and "I(sword)o" and "JA/.30-'06" on the chamber. Fitted with a two-piece stock featuring a checkered steel buttplate and a brown leather sling.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30-06

Price Realized:

Unusual Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine Fitted for a Bayonet with Saber Bayonet and George Madis Letter

Lot 1002

Half Nickel Winchester Model 1876 Carbine, Bayonet, Madis Letter

Manufactured in 1880. The accompanying George Madis letter states Madis examined this Model 1876 carbine "inside and out" and found it to be "all original as made by Winchester in 1880." According to Madis, this Model 1876 will factory letter as being received in the warehouse on June 2, 1881 with nickel plated frame and saber bayonet. "Because of the special and unusual features," continued Madis, "there was a delay between the date of manufacture and the date the gun was received in the warehouse." Model 1876 carbines fitted with saber bayonets are exceedingly rare, and the bayonets are among the most sought after early Winchester accessories. The saber bayonet was more commonly reserved for Model 1876 muskets. Madis rightfully proclaimed "carbines with [bayonet fittings] are almost impossible to find" and this carbine was "one of the rarest Winchesters seen in over forty years of observing and studying Winchesters." In fact, Madis states that he had examined "more 1 of 1,000 Model 1876s than Model 76s made for saber bayonets" and "it is likely that another carbine with saber bayonet will not be found in the 1876 model." The correct and rare saber bayonet with the scabbard is included. The 20 inch blade is marked with "crown/C" and "crown/W" proofs. The 23 1/2 inch barrel has a carbine type front sight set farther back from the muzzle when compared to the standard 22 inch carbine barrel in order to accommodate the saber bayonet. The saber bayonet lug is on the right side of the forend cap. The barrel has a carbine type front sight, folding ladder rear sight, and the two-line Winchester address/King's improvement patent dates marking stamped on top. The carbine lacks caliber markings. A saddle ring is on the left side of the receiver. The dust cover has serrations on the tail and follows a guide rail secured to the receiver by two screws.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45

Price Realized:

Lot 1183

Civil War Era Sharps New Model 1859 Percussion Military Rifle

This rifle is mentioned by serial number in the book "Sharpshooter: Hiram Berdan and His famous Sharpshooters and their Sharps Rifles" by Wiley Sword and noted as "Perhaps one of the few non double set triggered Berdan Sharps" in his section on rifles "Relevant to the Berdan Special Order." Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms" suggests 500 rifles were manufactured with double set triggers and 1,500 had standard triggers. Sellers also notes that these rifles fall in the 35000-57000 range "with a scattered few above this" confirming this rifle is potentially one of the Berdan rifles. The differences in the amount of estimated rifles with double set triggers vs regular triggers are based on different interpretations of General Ripley's instructions to Sharps. Ripley informed Palmer at Sharps that the company would be responsible for any additional costs if they complied with Berdan's requests; however, as Sword details, a New Model 1859 with double set triggers and a socket bayonet was actually the same price as a standard Army version with a saber bayonet the Ordnance Department originally ordered due to the expense of the saber bayonets. All we know for sure is that at least 500 rifles had double set triggers and some surviving Berdan rifles have regular single triggers. Sword believed the single triggers were generally just replacements, but it is not clear that this is the case. This rifle has standard markings and sights, a plain trigger, iron patch box, "M.N.M." inspection mark on the barrel, no visible cartouche (previously reported by Sword to have had the correct "JT" cartouche for a Berdan Sharps), and "E" markings on the bottom of the forend, trigger plate, and buttstock.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

Civil War Whitney Model 1861 U.S. Navy Contract Percussion Rifle with Dahlgren Bowie Knife Bayonet and Scabbard

Lot 1192

Whitney Model 1861 Navy Contract Percussion Rifle with Bayonet

This rifle was part of a contract of 10,000 rifles manufactured by Whitney for the U.S. Navy. The contract was completed in 1864. These "Plymouth" rifles were designed under the recommendations of Captain John A Dahlgren based on the French Model 1846 Carabine à Tige and were tested on the U.S.S. Plymouth in in the mid-to late 1850s. It features a short blade front sight and long range adjustable (up to 1,000 yards) ladder rear sight. The barrel tang is stamped with "3760" which would match up with its original hand fitted Collin's & Co. saber bayonet (not included), and the left side of the barrel is stamped "F.C.W" below the "V/P/eagle head" proofs. The lock is marked "eagle/U.S." and "WHITNEY-VILLE," and the tail of the lock and top of the barrel are dated "1863." It has a straight grip stock with standard U.S. military style buttplate and sling swivels mounted below the buttstock and on rear barrel band. The tang of the buttplate is marked "U.S.," and the left stock flat has an "HW" cartouche. It comes with a scarce Dahlgren Bowie knife style bayonet with 12 inch blade marked "AMES MFG CO/CHICOPEE/MASS" on the left and "P/G G" and "USN/DR anchor/1864" on the right side, "4" on the lower quillon, finger groove walnut grip, "DR" cartouche on the pommel, and a black leather scabbard with brass fittings. The bayonet does not fit the rifle.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 1203

Confederate-Style Short Sword

Measuring about 23 1/2 inches in overall length, this weapon falls somewhere between a full sized cavalry/officer sword and the famous "D-Guard" Bowie knives of Confederate fame, and may have been made by shortening a full length sword; the flat spine, straight grip and branched guard are suggestive of the 1840 Heavy Cavalry Sword, which was copied by numerous Confederate swordmakers, from the big names down to the local shops. The blade measures 17 3/4 inches long, with a set of single fullers, clip point and flat spine, with no maker's marks. Fitted with a rough-cast single branch brass guard, unmarked pommel cap, and an iron wire wrapped leather grip. Resembles Boyle and Gamble swords.

Price Realized:

Lot 1204

Confederate-Style Short Sword

Measuring about 21 3/8 inches in overall length, this weapon clocks in at the upper end of the large knives associated with Confederate infantry fighters. The overall appearance is rough, suggestive of the sort of "cottage industry" participating in the Southern arms trade alongside the professional manufacturers. The blade is 16 1/4 inches long, double edged with a spear point, showing a repeated pattern of serrations, implying that the blade was reworked from a large rasp or file (well made but worn out files are a known source of recyclable tool steel). The guard measures 6 1/2 inches wide, with a set of upturned quillion points, the handle is constructed from a single piece of smooth hardwood, and the tang is peened over an iron washer to form a small pommel. A brown leather sheath is included.

Price Realized:

Lot 1205

Large Collins & Company Knife with Sheath

Measuring 16 inches overall, with an 11 1/2 inch single edge spear point blade, marked "COLLINS & CO/HARTFORD" on the left side, brass dual ball quillion guard, cupped brass pommel cap, and a ribbed leather washer grip. With a brown leather holster fitted with a brass tip. A similar knife is identified on the bottom of page 19 of "U.S. Military Knives Book II" by M.H. Cole.

Price Realized:

Desirable Fine William J. McElroy Confederate Foot Officer's Sword with Scabbard

Lot 1207

CSA W.J. McElroy & Co Foot Officer Sword w/Scabbard

Active in Macon, Georgia prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, the firm of William J. McElroy & Company was one of many Southern companies that cast their lot in with the Confederacy to supply war materiel. Originally a producer of items like canteens, the company moved to edged weapons, starting with pikes and bowie knives, refining their skills and equipment before starting on swords; some surviving McElroy officers swords rate among the finest in their class. Like many Confederate arms makers, they entered the martial trade when the CSA asked them to start and left it when the US marched into their home city and asked them to stop. Like many Confederate makers, McElroy's output closely followed antebellum U.S. regulations. Measuring 35 inches overall, with an etched single fuller 29 1/2 inch blade, decorated with vine work on both sides, checkerboard patterns on both sides of the ricasso, the McElroy address on the right side, and "C.S" on the left. The gilt brass hilt has pierced-through floral vines on the guard, laurel wreath designs on the pommel, and a thick brass single strand wire wrap on the leather grip. With a brass and leather scabbard.

Price Realized:

Lot 1208

Confederate D-Guard Style Bowie Knife with Sheath and Belt

Measuring about 18 3/4 inches in overall length, this weapon follows the archetypical profile of a Confederate combat knife, with a thick, sturdy blade terminating in a clipped point, and the rugged single piece handguard which lends the "D-Guard" its name. While such a weapon could serve a soldier as a utility tool during quieter moments, it was, first and foremost, an efficient weapon of last resort bridging the gap between the "Sheffield Bowie" which might have insufficient reach and a full size sword or bayonet-equipped rifle which would be cumbersome to carry about and limited in tight quarters. The blade is 12 7/8 inches long with a 2 3/4 inch back clip, nearly 2 inches of width across the base, and a thickness of about 3/16ths of an inch at the flat spine. The grip is a single piece of smooth hardwood with an oval cross-section, set inside the iron guard, which has a slight taper towards the unadorned pommel and a rounded rear quillion. Included with the knife is a black leather belt rig consisting of a sheath with brass frog stud, leather frog, and a rivet-decorated belt.

Price Realized:

Historical Collection of Civil War Artifacts Connected to Antietam Veteran Sergeant Charles Reisser of the 9th New York Hawkins Zouaves, Including Two Percussion Firearms and a Documented Zouave Uniform -A) W. Hahn Back Action Percussion Rifle

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 1209

Two Percussion Firearms and a Collection of Civil War Items

These items were all owned by or attributed to Sergeant Charles Reisser (1835-1928), veteran of the Battle of Antietam and officer in the 9th New York Volunteer Infantry also known as the Hawkins/New York Zouaves. The 9th has the distinction of being the first official Zouave regiment and mustered in April 1861 at the start of the war. The uniform is pictured on pages 182-183 of "Don Troiani's Civil War Soldiers" in which the author writes, "Undoubtedly this was the jacket he was wearing when wounded in the leg at Antietam, where the regiment suffered terrible losses." Reisser had immigrated to the U.S. in 1853 and was a farmer in Englewood, New Jersey, when the war broke out. He was married in 1860 and moved to Iowa with his wife after the war. He originally enlisted as a private in Company G of the 9th New York Volunteers and was promoted to sergeant in October 1861. His unit was stationed at Hatteras, North Carolina, from August 27, 1861, and then served in the 3rd Brigade of General Ambrose Burnside's North Carolina Expedition starting in January 1862 and fought at Roanoke Island, South Mills, moved to Washington, D.C., and to Frederick, Maryland, where they became a part of the Army of the Potomac. As part of the latter, they were engaged at South Mountain and Antietam. During the latter, Sergeant Reisser suffered a bullet wound to his leg on September 17, 1862. According to the included rather romantic framed biography of Reisser, a bullet passed through his canteen, struck his sword, and caused four wounds to his thigh. His unit remained in the fight and returned to recover him two days later. His leg had to be amputated. According to the monument to the 9th at Antietam, they suffered: 54 killed, 158 wounded, and 28 missing out of 373 men present at the beginning of the fight. This accounted for roughly 2/3s of all the men killed from the regiment in the war. Reisser was discharged in New York City on May 20, 1863. Reisser is listed as serving as an acting orderly sergeant on one of the cases for the items. The uniform includes a red fez style cap with silver "9" pin and navy blue tassel, a navy blue and red wool Algerian pattern Zouave pattern jacket with sergeant's rank chevrons, hook and eye closure, white linen lining, and "Chas Reisser/Co. G" in ink handwritten inside the left sleeve at the armpit; a matching navy blue and red wool and white linen Zouave waist coat marked "Ch R." on the lining at the hear, and a red linen sash. A wooden crutch is included that was reportedly used after he lost his leg. A scarce and valuable original hand tinted 6th plate (2 3/4 by 3 1/4 inches) portrait showing Reisser in an earlier Zouave uniform armed with a hunting/Bowie knife complete with a case along with two framed copies of the portrait are included. His naturalization/citizenship papers from 1859, 1860 marriage certificate, 1861 sergeant promotion, and 1863 discharge certificate are all included and are framed in museum quality frames. Additional items include a Benton County Veteran Association 29th Annual Reunion medal from August 7-8, 1907, Grand Army of the Republic veteran medal, a clay pipe, and silver half-dollar polished smooth on the obverse and inscribed "Sgt Charles Reisser/Co. 'G,' 9th Regt. Ny Vol./Hawkins Zouaves/Enl 4 May 1861." The rifle was built around the late 1850s to early 1870s by William Hahn of New York City and has traditional blade and notch sights, "W. HAHN N.Y" on top of the barrel "WARRANTED" marked lock with bird and floral patterns, double set triggers, and German silver furniture. The pistol in B is much older and could have been brought over from Germany when he immigrated.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 46, 69

Lot 1211

E.J. Johnston Attributed Confederate Foot Officers Sword

Produced without maker's marks, this sword is attributed as the product of E.J. Johnston & Company. Operating out of Macon, Georgia, the exact range of operation of the firm is unknown; they were noted in 1862 as being capable of producing 150+ swords a week, and Macon itself fell to the Union in April of 1865. Measuring 35 1/2 inches overall, this sword is fitted with an unmarked 29 3/4 inch single fuller blade, fitted with a ribbed hardwood grip and a cast brass guard and pommel. Overall configuration is closely patterned after the antebellum U.S. Foot Officer sword, with floral and vine motifs in the brass. With a brass-fitted brown leather scabbard, marked "66" on the rear of the tip.

Price Realized:

"Floating CS" Confederate Sword, Attributed to Leech & Rigdon, with Scabbard

Lot 1212

'Floating CS' Confederate Sword, with Scabbard

Active as early as 1857 as a non-manufacturing weapons dealer and cotton broker, Thomas Leech established the "Memphis Novelty Works" with scale maker Charles Rigdon about 1861 in Memphis, Tennessee. While most famous for their copies of Colt's navy-caliber revolver, the firm also manufactured a wide spectrum of edged weapons. The firm would be evacuated twice, first to Columbus, Mississippi and then to Greensboro, Georgia, and would abandon blade manufacture to focus on revolvers. Measuring 26 inches overall, with an unmarked 30 1/4 inch single fuller blade, fitted with a leather wrapped hardwood grip and a brass guard and pommel, the former decorated with cast-in leaf designs and the letters "C S" positioned between the guard branches. This style of "C S" diverges from other observed Leech & Rigdon swords, which more often feature a raised "CS" in an oval on the underside of the guard; this sword bears a strong resemblance to a "Maker Unknown" example illustrated on page 123 of Albaugh's "Confederate Edged Weapons", which is compared to the work of James Conning of Mobile, Alabama. With a black leather scabbard with brass fittings.

Price Realized:

Lot 1240

Fine Horstmann & Son American Foot Officer Sword with Scabbard

Measuring 38 inches in overall length, this sword features a fine 32 inch double fuller blade with sharp etching, showing vine work along the spine, scrollwork and martial/patriotic motifs on both sides, and the Horstmann address in 3 etched lines above the right ricasso. The hilt is gilt-finished brass, with pierced-through vine work and "U.S." between the knuckle bows, laurel wreath on the pommel, and a sharkskin grip with brass wire wrap. With an numbered blue steel/gilt brass scabbard, showing oak leaf decoration on the suspension bands.

Price Realized:

Lot 1241

Rare U.S. Contract Ames Model 1852 Naval Officer's Sword

A rare example of one of 500 Pattern of 1852 Naval Officer's Swords purchased by the Navy Board of Commissioners from the N.P. Ames Co. in 1852 to outfit the 487 officers on the Navy Register. The sword has a slightly curved, 27 1/2 inch, blade with eight-inch false edge and two fullers. The obverse of the blade is decorated with acid etched and dry wire engraved floral decorations, a circle of stars, fouled anchor and shield and stand of arms and colors. The reverse is etched with floral decorations intertwined with a running line, "USN" in a banner, a fouled anchor and an eagle with half sunburst atop a naval cannon. "AMES MFG./CHICOPEE, MASS." is etched on the obverse ricasso. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a "P" proofmark over the initials "R.B.H." (inspecting officer Robert B. Hancock U.S.N.). The date of inspection "1852" is stamped on the obverse. The sword has fish skin grip wrapped with twisted brass wire and a gilded brass hilt. The Phrygian pattern pommel top features a cast eagle surrounded by thirteen stars in relief. The knuckle-bow is decorated with a dolphin head at the junction with the pommel, and the single branch guard features a spray of oak leaves with a ribbon bearing the raised letters "USN". The quillion terminates above the blade in a dolphin head. The 500 Pattern 1852 Naval Officer's Swords purchased from Ames in 1852 were the only inspected and dated officer's swords ever purchased by the U.S. Navy. Surviving examples are scarce in any condition.

Price Realized:

Lot 1469

Historic Cased Wilkinson & Scott Double Action Revolver

Two pieces of documentation are included with this lot; the first, a letter from Wilkinson Sword, includes information on both the sword and revolver, the second, a letter from the National Army Museum in Chelsea, goes into more depth on the sword's owner. While not a firearm maker, Wilkinson Sword sold a wide variety of kits to Britain's officer corps, including purpose-ordered revolvers from Webley & Scott manufactured and marked to Wilkinson's specifications. Fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and a latch notch rear sight, the one-line Pall Mall address is present on the barrel rib, with "HW" in a six-pointed star on the left side along with a "455/476" caliber marking and a series of London proofs on the matching numbered cylinder. Fitted with a checkered one-piece grip with a blank silver inscription panel on the rear and the "W588" inventory number on the left side. Included with the revolver is a brown leather case with the Wilkinson tag on the maroon felt interior and "H.J.B.WHITEHEAD/7th HUSSARS." on the lid; the Wilkinson letter verifies this revolver by grip number as sold to Whitehead on 15 March 1901. Veterans of Waterloo and the Indian Mutiny, the 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars were in South Africa during this time period, later fighting the Ottomans in WWI and retraining as an armored unit for WWII. Army records show Whitehead as participating in operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony and the Cape Colony as a 2nd Lieutenant, becoming a full Lieutenant in 1903 and being seconded to the Indian Army in the same year. Though not verified this may have been his service revolver in South Africa and India. The sword is a fine Scottish-pattern basket hilt claymore, 38 inches overall with a 32 inch straight triple-fuller blade etched to the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, a felt-lined steel hilt with wire-wrapped sharkskin grip and maroon tassels and a nickel finished sheath. The Wilkinson letter verifies the sword as purchased 15 February 1881 by T. Irvine, Esquire, and the Army Museum identifies Thomas Irvine as commissioned a Second Lieutenant with the 93rd Sutherland 22 January of the same year. Irvine's career would take him to the rank of Major in 1899, ending with his death of unspecified causes on 8 March 1908 in Chatham, England. Amalgamated with the Argyll Highlanders the same year of Irvine's entry, the 93rd (as the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) would see combat in the Second Boer War before Irvine's passing, during which he may have carried this sword.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 455

Price Realized:

Lot 1530

Fine Signed Tachi-Length Japanese Sword Blade with Shirasaya Fit

Measuring 38 1/2 inches long overall length, the blade features a 30 inch cutting edge, a very bold and active hamon and active grain. The tang features a single mekugi-ana and a four-figure signature on the right side. With a set of shirasaya fittings.

Price Realized:

Lot 1566

Scarce and Desirable World War II Nazi J.P. Sauer & Sohn

This World War II Luftwaffe M 30 Drilling was manufactured by J.P. Sauer and Sohn. This scarce, high grade Sauer Drilling was issued in limited quantities to Luftwaffe aircrews in North Africa during 1942-43 as a survival weapon. The combination rifle and shotgun featured a Greener cross bolt action with 12 gauge side by side barrels and a 9.3X74R lower rifle barrel. A Greener type safety is located on the left side of the action. The drilling has dual triggers; when the barrel selector on the tang is moved forward a rifle sight on the ribs is elevated and the forward, single-set trigger fires the rifle barrel. The rear trigger fires the left barrel which is regulated to shoot Brenneke slugs to the rifle sight's point of aim. Moving the selector switch to the rear allows the front trigger to fire the right shotgun barrel; all three barrels can be fired without lowering the gun. The blue barrel group has a matted rib, a rifle front sight with silver bead and a sling swivel on the rifle barrel. The receiver, trigger guard and furniture have a casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The European walnut stock and forearm are oil finished with fine checkered panels. The stock has an oval cheekpiece on the left side and is fitted with a casehardened pistol grip cap, a sling swivel and a black plastic, serrated buttplate embossed with the Sauer "SS" monogram. The right side of the stock and right barrel chamber are stamped with large Luftwaffe eagle and swastika insignia. A Luftwaffe "Stick Eagle/2" acceptance mark is stamped on the top of the forward barrel locking lug. The receiver, trigger guard, pistol grip cap, forend latch and receiver screws are highlighted with simple, well-executed scroll engraving. The Sauer "SS" monogram is boldly stamped on the underside of the receiver. Smaller "SS" markings are located on the right receiver rail and on the side of the rifle barrel chamber. An oval panel in the barrel rib is engraved with the rifle caliber "9,3 x 74.R". The legend "J.P. SAUER & SOHN, SUHL" is on both sides of the receiver and on the breeches of both shotgun barrels. The top of the shotgun barrel chambers and the left side of the rifle barrel are marked: "KRUPP-LAUFSTHAL" with a shell motif at either end of the legend. The full serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver rail and on the underside of the rifle barrel. The partial serial number "5863" is stamped on the inside of the forearm. All of the serial numbers match. The "Eagle/N" proof mark is stamped on the underside of both shotgun chambers, on the left side of the rifle barrel chamber and on the right receiver rail. The shotgun barrel chambers are stamped with the gauge "12/65", and the rifle chamber is stamped with the caliber "9,3X74R". The drilling is complete with the original aluminum storage case. The case has a leather luggage type handle, two steel latches and exterior painted a dark Luftwaffe gray. The lid is stenciled: "Drilling M.30/mit Munition und Zubehor/ce" in three lines. The case interior has a natural aluminum finish and has wooden, felt covered, partitions to retain the drilling and accessories. A list of the contents is stenciled on the inside of the lid. The case is complete with: (1) reproduction manual entitled "Drilling M.30" (2) scarce, original russet leather sling (3) two sealed, 10-round cartons of FN rifle cartridges (4) and a large carton of Russian 12 gauge shells. Also included with the group is an 8x10-inch photo of Reichmarschall Herman Goering and a copy of a U.S. capture certificate dated February 14, 1946. The certificate lists "1 German Rifle, 2 Bayonets (sic) and 1 sword" with no serial numbers or other details.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 12/9.3x74

Price Realized:

Historic Wehrmacht Parade Uniform Set for Generalleutnant Karl Mauss, Wartime Commander of Rommel's 7th Panzer Division, Complete with Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, with Extensive Documentation

Lot 1574

Uniform of General Karl Mauss, Plus Knight's Cross w/Diamonds

Born in 1898 in Ploen, Karl Mauss got his start like many German World War II generals in World War I, having enlisted in the armed forces in 1914. Active with Jaeger Battalion #9 out of Lauenburg, he was noted as the youngest man in his division. Active on the Western, Eastern and Italian Fronts (including action at the Battle of the Somme), he earned the Iron Cross in both 2nd and 1st Class, as well as an officer's commission. While a very talented scout, the young man had aspirations towards flight, eventually securing a posting as a flight cadet. During the final outing for his flight training, Mauss' aircraft went into a near fatal dive from 3,800 meters; as the cause of the crash was determined to be a mechanical issue with the rudder controls (attributed as deliberate tampering by an unknown party), he received his pilot's certificate while laid up with multiple broken bones. After his recovery and the end of the war, he was shifted to the reserves, and spent some time as a paramilitary fighter, active with the Freikorps Oberland (later a core unit of the Brownshirts in Bavaria) and Marinebrigade Ehrhardt (which participated in the Kapp Putsch against the Weimar Republic), seeing action in the suppression of the Silesian Uprisings. After this, he settled down a bit and tried his hand at civilian life, dabbling in the publishing field before committing himself to the study of dentistry, earning his doctorate in the late 1920s and establishing a private practice. In 1934, he left the dental field and returned to the Army, attaining the rank of Major by 1938. Over the course of World War II, he led the 20th Motorized Infantry into Poland, the 10th Panzer Division into France, and also participate in the Invasion of Russia, both the initial charge towards Moscow and at Kursk. In January of 1944, Mauss was placed in command of the 7th Panzer Division, previously Rommel's infamous "ghost division" during the Invasion of France; this period of the unit's history under Mauss' command was mainly spent being driven back towards Germany by the Soviets, with the occasional counter-attack punctuating a number of retreats, rear guard actions, and evacuations, often acting as a "mobile pocket" in areas already overrun by the Red Army. Much like Rommel, Mauss preferred leading from the front as much as physically possible, and earned a reputation with both the Nazis and the Soviets as a skilled operator. On February 2nd of 1945, Mauss was scouting ahead of his unit during a counter-attack when his command car took a direct hit, killing the other occupants and inflicting grave injuries on the General, requiring the amputation of one of his legs. Short a limb and confined to a stretcher, he continued to lead his unit another 4 days before finally being evacuated. Following a personal appeal by Mauss to the head of personnel, the 7th was evacuated via sea and was later able to surrender to the British instead of the Soviets. Reports conflict on his final rank; in post-war private life he was known to use the rank of Generalleutnant in correspondence, but his biography in the book "Knights of the Reich" (included) mentions a final promotion to General der Panzertruppen in April of 1945. Over the course of World War II, he earned the Clasps for the 2nd and 1st Class Iron Cross, the German Cross in Gold, as well as the following ranks of the Knight's Cross: the Knight's cross in November 1941, the Oak Leaves in 1943, the Swords in 1944, and the Diamonds in 1945. Instituted over the course of World War II, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross started as the top combat valor award of Nazi Germany, and steadily escalated as winners continued to perform feats worthy of recognition. Though technically there were two higher decorations, the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds in Gold (given to one Luftwaffe aviator), and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (given to Hermann Goering, then retracted before war's end), the Diamonds were functionally the pinnacle of awards, being presented only 27 times. Spending time in British captivity after the war, Mauss was passed over for a position with the Bundeswehr, and returned to his dental practice, living a quiet life before passing on in 1959. The lot hinges around three groupings: 1) A uniform set appointed for and marked to Mauss as a Generalleutnant, 2) an original vintage Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, paired with one reproduction, and 3) a tool case marked to the commander of the 7th Panzer Division. 1) The uniform set consists of tunic, breeches and belt. The tunic is a typical "feldgrau" material with deep green felt trim, featuring extensive red piping, gold bullion collar tabs, gold/silver on red Generalleutnant's shoulder boards, and a gold bullion Nazi eagle on the right breast. The decorations are extensive, including a thick gold agilette cord, a stitched-on metal and cloth German Cross in Gold, the Close Combat Clasp, an eight-piece medal bar starting with the 1914 2nd Class Iron Cross with Spange, and a set of 5 medals: (from top) the Spange for the 1st Class Iron Cross, Panzer Badge, 1914 1st Class Iron Cross, Wound Badge in Gold, and a WWI vintage pilot's badge. A label from Albert Kuhl is present on the interior below the collar, and the left interior breast pocket has an additional Kuhl label, signed to Mauss and dated April 1944. The breeches are gray twill construction with red trim and zippered cutts, and the belt is silver and green ribbon faced with a gold colored "A" marked buckle. 2) The Knight's Cross set consists of two items. Both follow the general pattern of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, with "L/12" marked on the rear of the top arm, "swastika/1939" and "1813" dating, the clasp assembly with pierced-through stone mounting, and the red white and black ribbon. The first, labeled by the consignor as a vintage original presentation item, is 1.9 inches wide, with a 1 inch wide crossed sword set and a .78 inch wide set of oak leaves, featuring 34 total brilliant diamonds (consignor estimated at 2.7 carats total), with the tie absent from the ribbon. The second cross is unlabeled but appears to be a modern reproduction, with a painted alloy cross, a .82 wide oak leaf cluster, approximately 54 brilliant diamonds, and a shoelace-style cord stitched to the ends of the ribbon. 3) Planning document case, marked "7 PD Kdr." on the lid in white paint and "Planausrustung" in black. The contents include a number of original tools as well as a "YUMA" brand safety razor, a shaving brush, and a rock. A variety of documents are grouped with the lot, including the books "Knights of the Reich" by Fraschka, "Die 7.Panzer-Division" by von Manteuffel and "For Fuehrer & Fatherland" by Angolia, vintage photographs of the General, assorted untranslated correspondence (original and photocopy) and photocopies of award documents, a large folding map, and an issue of Military Trader (July 2000, Volume 7 Issue 7) with General Mauss as the cover story and featuring several elements from this grouping in the photography.

Documentation

Price Realized:

Lot 3002

Documented U.S. Contract New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action R

Henry Rifle manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. as part of the Ordnance Department order for 500 Henry rifles on April 7, 1865. The serial number of this rifle is listed in the serial numbers of Henry rifles reported by Companies B, C, I, H, and K of the 3rd Regiment U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry (VVI) in 1865 ("The Historic Henry Rifle" by Wiley Sword, page 75). In April and May 1865, the Ordnance Department purchased 627 Henry rifles to arm the 3rd VVI. The 3rd VVI was one of four infantry regiments recruited from discharged veterans in 1864-65 to serve as an elite infantry corps under Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. These regiments were armed with Henry, Spencer and Sharps rifles. In addition to a substantial enlistment bonus, volunteers for the VVI regiments were allowed to retain their issue rifles when mustered out of service. The Civil War ended before the VVI regiments saw any significant action. The 627 Henry rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department in April-May 1865 and the 1100 Henry rifles procured to arm the 1st District of Columbia Cavalry Regiment (1st DC Cavalry) in 1863 and 1864 were the only Henry rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department during the Civil War. Only the 800 rifles ordered for the 1st D.C. Cavalry on December 30, 1863, were marked with Ordnance final inspection marks. This rifle has the distinctive brass receiver and octagon barrel with integral 15-shot magazine which identify Henry rifles. The rifle has the late production features which include: (1) nickel-silver, square back front sight blade, (2) folding leaf rear sight with elevation bar stop screw and "900" mark below the center notch, (3) large diameter brass magazine follower, (4) beveled magazine follower slot, (5) sling swivel on the left side of the stock and screw-fastened loop for sling hook on the left side of the barrel, (6) brass buttplate with sharp pointed heel and (7) large, second style, New Haven Arms Co., legend that uses all serif letters. In addition to the distinctive brass receiver and buttplate, this rifle originally had a blued barrel/magazine with casehardened, hammer, trigger and lever. The stock is straight grain American walnut with a varnish finish. The hammer has coarse, border-less knurling. The buttplate has a hinged trapdoor. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT" in two lines with serif letters ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is located: (1) on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver, (2) on the left side of the lower receiver tang beneath the stock, (3) in the upper tang inlet of the stock and (4) on the inside of the buttplate. All of the visible serial numbers match. The late style cap screws on the buttplate and tang are, correctly, not marked with the rifle serial number. The "H" inspection mark of B. Tyler Henry is stamped on the lower tang between the lever latch and rear tang screw. A tiny "J.T." Ordnance sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the stock wrist. This mark is the only Ordnance inspection mark found on the Henry rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department in 1865.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Presentation Quality Engraved Blue and Gold Washed Russian Cavalry Sword

Lot 3162

Presentation Quality Engraved Blue and Gold Washed Russian Sword

According to the included assessment, this is a fine reproduction of an 1820s vintage Russian cavalry sword, likely manufactured in the 21st century, and possibly by a shop in the vicinity of St. Petersburg. Measuring 39 1/2 inches overall with a 33 7/8 inch curved, single fuller blade. On each side of the blade is a 13 3/4 inch panel of etched decoration and gold and niter blue highlighting with scroll designs on both sides, an "A" (Tsar Alexander I, reign 1801-1825) on the right, a two-headed eagle on the left, and scenes of a French cavalryman being driven off by a pack of Russians on each side. The gold work is believed to be modern electro-deposition gilding, as opposed to 19th century mercury-based gilt work. The spine is decorated in a similar fashion with the date "1824" and Cyrillic markings. The translation of these markings is "I. Bushuyev, Zlatoust" in the style of Ivan Bushuyev, the originator of the engraving style used at the arsenal at Zlatoust (located in what is currently the Chelyabinsk region of Russia), one of Russia's first producers of cannon-quality steel, a key source of quality blades in the 1800s, birthplace of the rediscovered "Bulat" (Russia's answer to European Damascus steel) and a heartland of fine weaponry to this day. The hilt is gold washed brass with a disc shaped rear quillion, two-branch guard, and a gilt wire wrapped leather grip. With a steel scabbard.

Price Realized:

Scarce Swinburn & Son 1861 Dated Jacob's Double Barrel Percussion Rifle with Scarce Sword Bayonet and Accessories

Lot 3164

Scarce Swinburn & Son 1861 Dated Jacob's Percussion

Manufactured by Swinburn & Son in 1861, this double barrel percussion rifle was invented by General John Jacob and comes with one of the rarest British bayonets. An officer of the British East India Company, Jacob commanded a cavalry regiment called the 36th Jacob's Horse and founded the town Jacobabad in 1847 (now a city in Pakistan). The rifle he invented fired an explosive shell designed to explode ammunition carts at long distances. The rifle is sighted to 2,000 yards. The explosive loads that the rifle once fired were marketed for use against large thick skinned game (i.e., rhinos and elephants) and references to the gun being used in the American Civil War have been made. In fact, the American surplus dealer Francis Bannerman listed these rifles as elephant rifles. The lock plates are marked "SWINBURN & SON/PATENT/1861", and the iron patch box located on the right side of the buttstock is marked "JACOB'S RIFLES." The patch box marking referred to a proposed regiment called Jacob's Rifles that Jacob intended to raise. It was proposed that 900 of the 1,000 men of the regiment would carry the rifle that bore the commander's name. However, Jacob died before the contract was finished. Although Swinburn & Son finished the contract after Jacob's death, the rifles were released to the civilian market. As stated, the rifle has a ladder rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards. Behind the ladder sight is a three leaf express sight graduated 1 through 3. The front sight is a beaded blade. Mounted on a smooth straight grip half-stock with a flat iron buttplate. The side of the right barrel has a bayonet lug marked "S&S/B/370." With the rifle is an impressive sword bayonet that has a 30 1/4 inch blade, checkered handle and basket hilt. These bayonets are even rarer than the rifle and measure nearly as long as the rifle. The scabbard is modern. The rifle carries an iron ramrod and has two sling swivels holding a canvas sling and a single proofmarked barrel band marked "PATENT." Included with this unique rifle is a second iron ramrod (modern), patches, .52 caliber ball bullet mold, bullet mold with two interchangeable conical bullet molds and two Brazil 40 reis coins.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

Lot 3194

Scarce and Desirable Remington Dog Head Cane Gun

This is a scarce example of a Remington metallic cartridge cane gun that was manufactured circa 1866 to 1888. The original design was patented by Remington's master mechanic John F. Thomas in 1858. The Remington cane guns have the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge long arm produced by Remington. Remington was also the only major U.S. manufacturer to produce cane guns. Cane guns and swords were popular with European gentlemen in the 19th century. Canes were considered an essential part of a gentleman's wardrobe in the Victorian Era. Due to the increase in street crime in both European and American cities, the need for a defensive weapon while still wanting to look sharp helped promote the production of these weapons. Shotgun versions of cane guns were also used for opportunistic hunting while walking on country estates. Remington advertised "The Remington Rifle Cane" as "Just the Thing for Taxidermists" and as "Protection against Dogs and Highwaymen." This example is one of the .32 rimfire versions and no visible patent marking and the large dog head handle. The serial number is faintly marked in the gutta percha between the button trigger and the breech and on the steel tip. The overall length of the cane is 35 inches.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 3205

European Long Sword

Measuring 48 inches overall, the sword features a 36 inch blade with a spear point and a diamond cross section for most of the length, showing more of a lozenge profile near the base. The cruciform pattern guard measures 10 1/2 inches across, with a hexagonal profile to the ends of the quillions. Fitted with a smooth oval cross section grip of one-piece hardwood construction and a round iron pommel. Overall weight is 3 pounds, 15.8 ounces. Time and location of manufacture is unknown.

Historic Peter Knecht Solingen Production Gold and Niter Blue Accented French Presentation Sword with Scabbard Inscribed from the National Guard of France to the Marquis de Lafayette, Hero of the American Revolution

Lot 3212

Marquis de Lafayette, Hero of the American Revolution

Measuring 35 1/2 inches overall with a 29 1/2 inch curved double fuller blade, which bears the gold-enhanced makers signature "P. Knecht a Solingen" on the flat spine. A 13 inch panel of niter blue is also running up the spine, as well as a 14 3/4 inch niter blue panel on each side, terminating in fine scroll designs and accented with gold highlighted martial engraving and etched floral vine decoration. The right panel includes a gold washed rooster atop a banner engraved "Liberte" (Liberty) between a pair of etched panels marked "Garde" and "Nationale" reading from ricasso to tip. The hilt is gilt brass with fine sculpted floral and scroll designs, feathered 1-branch guard, a wire wrapped leather grip and a laurel wreath engraved phrygian helmet pommel. The scabbard is black leather with gilt brass fittings and the reverse face of the throat bearing the inscription "La Garde Nationale/de Moulins/au General Lafayette/bienfaiteur de la liberte" (The National Guard/of Moulins/to General Lafayette/ Benefactor of Liberty) above and below the suspension band. Born in 1757, Lafayette (full name Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Marquis de Lafayette) was a young aristocrat and French military officer when he learned of the American Revolution. Driven by a mixture of republican ideals and an opportunity to get back at the British for his father's death in the Seven Years War, Lafayette paid his own way to the States in direct opposition to orders from his superiors in order to join the fight. Shortly after arriving, he was introduced to General George Washington, who would take the young man onto his staff. During his service in the States, he took a bullet to the leg, wintered in Valley Forge, was selected to lead an invasion of Canada in wintertime (which he would quite wisely abort), campaigned successfully for an increased French commitment to the Revolution, and finally participated in the Siege of Yorktown, the final land battle of the Revolution. Upon returning to France, Lafayette continued to assist the Americans, serving as an advisor to multiple American ambassadors and using his Paris home as an unofficial headquarters for American diplomats, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. He became more directly involved in French politics, and as a member of the Estates General Lafayette, worked with Thomas Jefferson to draft the first copy of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, a critical document for both the French Revolution and the ideal of universal human rights. The day after the Storming of the Bastille, Lafayette was tapped to be Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of France, the sum total of all available urban militia units in the nation, where he attempted to serve as a moderating force within the revolution. Later, he rejected an offer of employment from Napoleon and, during the Revolution of 1830, turned down an offer to be dictator of France. Upon his death in 1834, he was buried in France under soil taken from Bunker Hill sprinkled by his firstborn son Georges Washington de Lafayette.

Price Realized:

Lot 3235

Historic Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion

The pistol itself is an 1856 dated Model 1855 pistol-carbine with the matching stock number "16" on the highly figured varnished walnut stock collar and pommel cap and "JT" and "WAT" cartouches on the left stock flat. What is truly unique about this pistol is its history which is explained in the included sworn affidavit from Norm Flayderman in 1961. He identifies it as the pistol-carbine accidentally left behind by James Tyler Ames of Ames Manufacturing in England. Also included are the following documents from the Ames estate: a letter of introduction for Ames from Springfield Superintendent James Whitney to the Commandant of the English armory at Enfield and a "Memoranda of Arms & parts of Arms delivered JT Ames Esq. January 15, 1858, contained in two boxes" listing "one Pistol carbine Model 1855" among the goods. A third document mentioned in Flayderman's letter is no longer included but is listed as an "Original tissue copy removed from the original letter book of the Ames Factory addressed to James H. Burton (later Confederate Chief of Ordnance) asking him to return the pistol/carbine accidentally left by Ames at Fenton's Hotel in England." Flayderman concludes his letter by stating "You may use this letter as a testimonial by myself that these three letters and the 1855 carbine shipped to you (and described in my Catalog #50, as Item #483) have always been together and that they were purchased together direct from descendants of James T. Ames and as part of the famous Ames Estate." J.T. Ames took over Ames Mfg. Co. from his older brother Nathan P. Ames Jr. in 1847. The company manufactured both a wide array of metal goods including swords, bayonet, ammunition, and cannons and also supplied machinery to the national armories. James Henry Burton worked at Harpers Ferry starting in 1846 and designed improvements to the Minie ball that were ultimately adopted by the U.S. military and widely used in the Civil War and new machinery. In 1854, he left the national arsenal to work for Ames, and the two men were reportedly good friends. Prior to 1856, all English small arms had essentially been made by hand which was slow and less reliable whereas Ames' stock machine could produce a stock in less than 30 seconds. In order to adopt the American mass production system, the British government purchased machinery from Ames and other American companies and contracted Burton in 1855 as chief engineer to help set it up. Ames machinery was also purchased by other private contractors in England as well as the governments of Russia and Spain. By 1859, the armory at Enfield was reported to be turning out 1,200 rifles each week. Burton returned to the American South in 1860 as a contractor for the Richmond Armory and obtained patterns for rifle-muskets from Harpers Ferry. Once the Civil War began, he was part of the effort to capture the machinery from Harpers Ferry and relocate it to Richmond where he served superintendent of the factory. He later worked to establish another armory in Macon, Georgia, and ultimately served as the superintendent of all of the Confederacy's armories. His contacts in England no doubt helped secure weapons for the Confederacy at the same time Ames was working to supply the Union.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Lot 3244

Scarce War of 1812-Era Horse Head Pommel Saber with Sheath

Measuring 36 1/2 inches overall, with a 31 3/4 inch blade, this sword bears a strong resemblance to an example seen on page 106 of "The American Sword 1775-1945" by Peterson. The Peterson example is described as "Artillery Officer's Sword, 1810-1820", a British import with a blade length typically around 28 inches. It's exact use is a matter of speculation, with likely suspects being the artillery and militia-organized cavalry/dragoon units. The blade is curved and single fullered, with no false edge, a flat spine, fine niter blue running half the length, and gold washed wire etched American patriotic motifs. Fine sculpted decoration is present on the gilt brass hilt, with deeply cut scrollwork on the languets and pierced-through stirrup guard, a sharply checkered grip, and a finely rendered horse head pommel. The scabbard is also gilt brass, with a trimmed drag and sculpted scroll suspension rings.

Price Realized:

Attractive Pre-Civil War Style American Artillery Sword with Scabbard

Lot 3245

Pre-Civil War Style American Artillery Sword w/Scabbard

Measuring 37 1/4 inches overall with a 32 3/4 inch curved single fuller blade, with a niter blue field on the lower 2/3rds and gold washed patriotic etching. The hilt is fine gilt brass, with raised and sculpted decoration, showing American Eagles on the languets, oak leaf patterns on the guard, spiral ribbed grip and another American Eagle on the dove head pommel. With a gilt brass scabbard, which is decorated with fine oak leaf and patriotic engraving and a sculpted drag.

Price Realized:

Lot 3333

U.S. Remington Model 1863 'Zouave' Percussion Rifle with Bayonet

The Model 1863 was manufactured by the Remington Arms Co. through contracts with the Ordnance Department for ".58 caliber Harpers Ferry pattern rifles." Nearly 10,000 are reported to have been sold via Bannermans in the early 20th century. There are also some reports that Model 1863s were among the surplus arms sold to the French government for the Franco-Prussian War. It has "HS" hand inscribed on both sides of the butt as well as "806" on the right. Otherwise, it has standard markings and features. A sword bayonet (does not fit properly) and a scabbard are include, and a spare nipple is in the patch box.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58 percussion

Price Realized:

Historic Presentation Quality W. Clauberg Staff & Field Officer's Sword, Inscribed and Presented to an Indiana Militia Officer

Lot 3334

Clauberg Presentation Sword, Indiana Militia Inscribed

Measuring 36 3/4 inches overall, this fine sword is fitted with a 31 inch single edged double fuller blade, the lower half of which is etched with martial and patriotic motifs, the Clauberg mark on the left ricasso, and "IRON PROOF" on the spine. The hilt is fine brass with pierced-through and sculpted floral designs between the guard branches, a laurel wreath in the helmet pommel, a "screaming eagle" rear quillion, and a solid brass grip with wreath designs and wire wrapping. The scabbard is iron with brass fittings, showing 3-leaf clover motifs on multiple areas, scroll engraving, and the inscription "Presented to/Max C. Wood/by his Friends/L.A.S. E.Y.S. N.R.J. J.G.C./May 12th 1864." on the rear of the upper suspension band. While not documented, research indicates that Max Wood is one 1st Lieutenant Max C. Wood of Terre Haute, Indiana, an officer with the "Union Rifles", a volunteer militia unit in the Wabash Valley/Vigo County region. Established in 1862, the Rifles were later federalized and integrated into the 76th Indiana Infantry Regiment for anti-guerrilla work and steamship defense on the Ohio, and would later be re-activated to respond to Morgan's Raid in 1863. Vintage newspaper records note that Lieutenant Wood received a fine presentation sword and belt (belt not included) from "a few of his friends of the Terre Haute Railroad"; this may be the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad, established in 1847 as the Terre Haute & Richmond Railroad.

Price Realized:

Historic, Extremely Rare, and Impressive Civil War Tiffany & Co. High Grade Presentation Sword with Extraordinary Cannon Barrel and Eagle Hilt and Scabbard Inscribed to Union Brigadier General Alexander Chambers

Lot 3347

Tiffany & Co. High Grade Cannon Barrel Presentation Sword

This sword's scabbard is inscribed "Presented to Brig Gen Alex Chambers/By the Officers of the 16th Regt Iowa Vet. Vol. Infy./March 31, 1864." Alexander Chambers (1832-1888) was a career military officer born in New York who graduated from West Point in 1853 with John Schofield and Philip Sheridan. He served in New York, Florida in the Seminole War, Utah, and the Southwest before the Civil War. At the beginning of the Civil War, he was assigned to muster troops in Iowa. He was quickly promoted to captain and was promoted to colonel in March 1862 with the 16th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded twice while commanding the 16th at the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Iuka. One contemporary report indicates he suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the shoulder and neck and was captured and left behind at the hospital in Iuka. He returned to lead a brigade during the Vicksburg Campaign, and in August of 1863, he was promoted to brigadier general and placed in command of a division within the XVII Corps. The Senate revoked that promotion in April 1864. After the war, he was nominated by President Johnson and approved by the Senate to brevet brigadier general post-dated to March 13, 1865, for gallantry at the Battle of Champion's Hill. He served initially as a captain in the Army in the post-war era, but rose back up to the rank of colonel. His post-war career included posts in multiple parts of the country including the West as well as a stint in the Ottoman Empire as part of a military attache in 1877-1878. This beautiful sword was presented to him by men of one of the units he mustered into service at the beginning of the war at Camp McClellan near Davenport, Iowa, and bled alongside in battle. March 31, 1864, coincides with a period of veteran furlough for the men of the unit and Chambers. According to the Daily Democrat and News (Davenport, Iowa) on March 25, 1864, Chambers and the 16th arrived in Davenport from Cairo on March 24th. They set out again from Davenport, Iowa, on May 3rd. The sword was likely presented to Chambers just miles from our facilities and is one of the finest martial swords crafted by Tiffany & Co. This pattern appears in Tiffany & Co.'s pattern book and other presentation examples appear on page 32 of "American Presentation Swords" by Jay P. Altmayer (presented to Major General John C. Robinson) and pages 522-523 in "Civil War Army Swords" by John Thillmann (presented to Major Leman W. Bradley). Less than a handful of these swords are known. It has a golden bald eagle perched on a cannon ball as the pommel, a ribbon in the eagle's beak extends to the knuckle guard which a has a silver gorgon/Medusa face medallion and attractive sculpting even on the inside edge. The grip is a silver Model 1841 style cannon with a vine wrapped around it and is complete with a vent and trunnions. The base of the hilt has four additional cannon balls, and the languet is angled outward and has banners and a Columbian shield with thirteen stars for the original states. The 30 3/4 inch blade is richly etched with scrollwork, mythical images, and patriotic motifs. The left side has "TIFFANY/& CO./NEW YORK" in small letters inside one of the elements and a Collins & Co. maker's mark and appears to have an 1862 or 1863 date. The scabbard has a Tiffany & Co. maker's mark on top, stars and bound arrows at the suspension rings, and another nicely detailed set of cannons and floral designs on the drag.

Price Realized:

Lot 3348

Civil War Tiffany & Co. High Grade Presentation Officer's Sword

This beautiful presentation sword appears in an included photograph of Slocum taken shortly before his death in 1894 suggesting it was his favorite sword. Civil War presentation swords inscribed for high ranking officers are always rare, but swords pictured by their owner's side are even rarer. It is also featured in Thillmann's "Civil War Army Swords" on pages 517-518 and Hoffmann's "Swords of Honor and Regulation." Its scabbard is inscribed "PRESENTED TO/Maj. Genl. H.W. Slocum./Com. of Army of Georgia./FROM THE MEMBERS OF HIS STAFF." The presentation may have occurred in the fall or winter of 1864 in Atlanta at the time that Slocum appointed to command the newly formed Army of Georgia or the conclusion of their campaign. The general and his troops were the first to enter Atlanta on September 2, 1864. He led the Army of Georgia as Sherman's left wing during the March to the Sea and the Carolina's Campaign which was the final campaign in the Western Theater. Major General Henry Warner Slocum (1827-1894) served throughout essentially the entirety of the Civil War. He was wounded at the First Battle of Bull Run, considered the first major battle of the war, and also present at the Battle of Bentonville, which ultimately led to the surrender of the last major Confederate Army, making him perhaps unique among the Union officers as was noted in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1894 upon his death. He graduated from West Point in 1852 and first served as a 2nd lieutenant in the artillery during the Seminole War. He left the service to practice law in 1856. He was a pro-slavery Democrat but also a firm believer in the preservation of the Union. He rejoined the military at the outbreak of the war and was appointed a colonel on May 21, 1861, in the 27th New York Infantry and led them at First Bull Run where he was wounded. He was promoted to brigadier general on August 9, 1861, and returned to the fight and promoted again to major general on July 25, 1862. He held commands in the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days Battles, the Maryland Campaign, and was held in reserve during the Battle of Antietam after which he was placed in command of the XII Corps which he led at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Chancellorsville (where his men suffered heavy casualties), and commanded the right wing during the Battle of Gettysburg. After the battle, General O. O. Howard reported: "The fighting at Culp's Hill was the most impressive incident of the Battle of Gettysburg...a step all-important and essential to victory... Slocum... prevented Meade from losing the Battle of Gettysburg." After Gettysburg, he was placed under the command of General Joseph Hooker until he attempted to resign due to his mistrust of Hooker which had been established by the heavy casualties his men suffered at Chancellorsville. President Lincoln, however, refused to accept his resignation, and Slocum was placed in command of the defense of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad. He was subsequently assigned to the District of Vicksburg and placed in command of the XX Corps upon the death of General McPherson. As noted above, Slocum's command was the first to enter Atlanta after its capture and then fought in the Carolina Campaign under General Sherman, including the final battles at Verasborough and Bentonville. After the Union's victory, Slocum was placed in charge of the Department of the Mississippi until his resignation on September 28, 1865. In the post-war era, Slocum returned to his law career in New York and served three terms in Congress. The sword has a 32 inch straight blade with patriotic and scroll etching and a gilt background. The base of the blade the left side has "TIFFANY/& Co/NY/." The hilt is a mix of gilded brass and silver. The silver languet has an oak leaf and acorn border, and the crossguard has pine cone finials. It has two silver chains for a handguard and a ribbed silver grip. The pommel is a bust of a woman wearing a crested helmet likely representing Bellona, the Roman goddess of war but also possibly a more warlike version of Liberty. The scabbard has guilt brass fittings with floral patterns and has the "TIFFANY & CO/NY" maker's mark backside.

Documentation

Price Realized:

Impressive Cased Tiffany & Co. Gilt and Silver High Grade Presentation Sword with George Washington Figural Pommel Belonging to Brigadier General Henry W. Birge with Sash

Lot 3349

Cased Tiffany & Co. High Grade Presentation Sword

The Civil War was one of our country's darkest moments and remains the deadliest war in American history, but in that period of blood and loss, many millions of men heroically responded to the call to arms and were supported by men and women in varying industries across the country. While most of the armament manufacturers' work was focused on the production of arms for combat, small numbers of high grade swords, revolvers, and rifles were commissioned by both influential leaders and common soldiers to pay respect to officers and others who earned their respect. Some of these have become iconic examples of the finest work of companies such as Colt, Tiffany & Co., Ball & Black, and others, and this sword is among the finest of Tiffany & Co.’s workmanship from the era. The pommel is a gilded facsimile of George Washington’s head. The knuckle guard has silver medallions of Hercules in raised relief on either side. The silver grip is octagonal and has plain oval panels for inscriptions surrounded by engraved floral work. The crossguard has draped curtain style languets with "U/S" and terminates in ram heads. The scabbard has high relief florally decorated mounts including the drag which has a floral tip and 4 inch fasces in raised relief. The approximately 32 1/2 inch blade is etched in the high grade motifs with gold highlights and backgrounds and include an infantryman on the left and a Zouave on the right along with floral, martial, and patriotic motifs. "TIFFANY/&CO/NY" is on the right side of the blade near the base. The blue velvet lined case also contains a general officer’s gold sash with high grade bouillon stripes. The bottom of the case has a paper label marked: "H. W. BIRGE,/Brig. Gen'l U.S.V./NORWICH, CONN." Henry Warner Birge (1825-1888) was born in Hartford and was serving as an aide to Connecticut Governor William A. Buckingham, his uncle, and was living in Norwich when the war broke out. Birge originally served as a major in the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, organized the 4th Connecticut Volunteers (the first three year regiment raised in the state), was appointed as a colonel in the 13th Connecticut Infantry, commanded the defenses at New Orleans after the city was captured, served under General N.P. Banks during the first Red River Campaign and was promoted by Banks to brevet brigadier general and placed in command of the 3rd Brigade in the 4th Division of the XIX Corps, commanded the volunteers at Port Hudson during which the 13th Connecticut volunteered to join him in the assault, became a full brigadier general upon his uncle's recommendation in September 1863, participated in the second Red River Campaign and General Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign, and took command of the district of Savannah after its capture until his resignation in November of 1865. He established himself as a businessman, cotton planter, and lumber dealer there and then moved to New York City where he died in 1888.

Has Box

Price Realized:

Exceptional Cased Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Gold and Silver General Officer's Rich Presentation Sword with Columbia Figural Hilt and Scabbard Presented to Colonel J.M. Neibling of the 21st Ohio Infantry with Portrait, Accessories, and Research

Lot 3350

Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Officer's Presentation Sword

This exceptional sword's pattern, including the scabbard, is pictured in Schuyler, Hartley & Graham's 1864 "Illustrated Catalogue of Arms and Military Goods" on page 30 as a rich presentation sword for general officers, and a similar presentation sword belt is pictured on page 46. The hilt has Columbia rendered in silver and gold plunging a spear into the mouth of the serpent that forms the knuckle guard. The snake most likely represents the Confederacy which was represented as a snake in some political cartoons in the North. A cornucopia is to Columbia's left symbolizing America's abundance. The 31 3/4 inch blade has a central fuller and is etched with intricate martial designs among which are a battle scene and Liberty/Columbia on the right. The left side has "Solingen" in script on the ricasso and "SCHUYLER/HARTLEY/& GRAHAM/N.Y." etched just above. The scabbard is silver and gilt and has a gorgon/Medusa's face and scrollwork around a drum and other martial designs at the upper rings, Athena at the lower suspension ring, flags and more scroll patterns at the drag, and the following historical inscription between the suspension rings: "Presented to/COL. J.M. NEIBLING/by the/Non Commissioned Officers & privates/of the 21st Rgt O.V.I./STONE RIVER/'Give them Hell by the Acre Boys.'" A research paper by Civil War researcher and editor Nancy Dearing Rossbacher is included providing details of Colonel James M. Neibling's life and his service to our country during the Civil War. The sources she cites also provide additional details. Neibling was a pro-slavery Democrat employed as a sheriff in Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio, before the war and helped organize the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a three-month unit at the outbreak of the war and was appointed lieutenant colonel. The unit was re-organized for a three-year enlistment on September 19, 1861. He was promoted to colonel on December 20, 1862. The quote at the bottom of the inscription is Neibling's own from the action at Stone's River. The Battle of Stone's River began just 11 days after Neibling's promotion to colonel and is directly referenced in the inscription. During the battle, Neibling was in command and the 21st was the only unit to capture enemy artillery and captured 3-4 cannons depending on the source. Neibling's report on the battle is included in the research and details the intense fighting he and his men faced including driving the enemy back past their artillery positions and routing them. He praises his men and various officers for their bravery. They lost 24 men in the battle and also reported 109 wounded and 26 missing. A January 27, 1863, report of the action in the "Indianapolis Daily Journal" heaped praise upon Neibling. During the battle, Neibling is recorded as instruction his men: "give them hell by the acre boys!" Neibling's right arm was shattered on May 28, 1864, during the Battle of Dallas (Georgia), and the arm was ultimately lost to amputation. He was not honorably discharged until December 6, 1864, and apparently worked on recruiting after his injury. He has been reported as very popular with his men but received some criticism from other officers for loose discipline and dirty arms among his men. He also caused some stir by forcing his men to return slaves to their owners. He died on February 21, 1869. The 21st also fought in numerous battles throughout the whole of the war and took part in the Grand Review before mustering out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 25, 1865. As laid out in Rossbacher's research, at least two publications detail the presentation but give slightly different dates. According to "History of Hancock County, Ohio" published in 1886, "In June, 1863, Col. Neibling was presented by his regiment with a magnificent sword and spurs, costing nearly $500, as a mark of their esteem and confidence in him as a commander." $500 in the 1860s would be around $10,000 today adjusted for inflation. According to Silas B. Canfield's "History of the 21st Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion," on May 27th, 1862, his men "presented him with an elegant sword and a pair of spurs," and the presentation was personally made by George W. Watson of Company A. The sword and scabbard come in an original Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham marked wooden display case that also contains a half plate (4 1/4 by 5 1/2 inch) portrait of Neibling with golden tinted buttons and sword handle, a golden sword knot, and a partial sword belt.

Documentation

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Lot 3351

Historic Cased Civil War Era Ball, Tompkins & Black Sword

Measures 37 3/4 inches in overall length. The gently curved single fuller blade measures 31 1/4 inches, with the final third finished in satin gray with bright edge and spine, and the lower two thirds decorated in a mixture of satin gray and nitre blue fields with gold washed edge, spine and etching, featuring floral, scroll and martial motifs overall, a museum inventory number "1973" painted on the right ricasso, the merchant marking "BALL/TOMPKINS/& BLACK/247/Broad Way/NEW YORK" on the left ricasso, and an 8 1/4 inch panel scene of a river valley on the left side. The silver plated guard is kidney-shaped, with the curvature on the left side, "18" stamped near the right ricasso, a beaded border and engraved and repoussed scroll designs with a dot textured background on the reverse. The grip is constructed from a single piece and sculpted in the form of a Roman legionnaire, with the pommel consisting of the legionnaire's head, sculpted with a horse hair plumed helmet and fine facial features, and the main body of the grip consisting of the torso, with a set of lorica squamata (scale mail) partially covered by a short cloak. Overall, the ergonomics of the hilt are very well laid out, with the curvature of the guard permitting an easy fit of the sword to the body while in the scabbard as well as providing clearance for the thumb when held, and the scale pattern (similar to that found on the 1840 foot artillery sword) and light flaring of the hilt would provide excellent traction and retention qualities when used. The scabbard is finished to match the hilt, with "18" stamped on the reverse and "1973.1" added museum-style to the obverse, a finely sculpted drag, fine scroll and floral engraving on approximately two-thirds of the surface, and a raised panel between the suspension rings inscribed "Presented by Governor Rich Yates on behalf of/the State of Illinois to Genl John Cook for/gallant conduct at Fort Donelson/1862". Included with the sword is an American officer's belt ("1973.2" museum-style on rear of rectangular buckle) and a fine hardwood case ("1973.3" on front) with "Genl John Cook" on a silver plated lid plaque, an engraved silver plate on the inside with the merchant marks of Ball, Tompkins & Black, a French-cut pocket for the sword in its scabbard, and a lidded compartment for the belt. The son of Daniel Pope Cook, Illinois politician and namesake of modern Cook County, John Cook started his career as a lawyer in Springfield and eventually became two-term mayor and the sheriff of Sangamon County. During this time, he developed a professional and personal relationship with fellow Springfield lawyer and future president Abraham Lincoln, for whom he would often campaign, and established the Zouave Greys drill team. At the time of Lincoln's election to the top office, Cook was the Quartermaster General of Illinois, a position he resigned from at the outbreak of the Civil War, so he could take on the task of raising a volunteer regiment, the first contributed by Illinois to the defense of the Union. Numbered the 7th Infantry out of respect for the six Illinois regiments that served in the Mexican-American War, Colonel Cook's men originally signed on for a three month term, but when it became clear that the war would be no quick matter, they re-mustered for a three year term. Attached to General Ulysses S. Grant's forces which would later be dubbed the "District of Cairo" and the "Army of the Tennessee", the Illinois men saw action at Belmont (one of the first actions to put future President Grant in the public eye), Shiloh (the bloodiest battle of the Civil War until Gettysburg), Fort Henry (which opened the Tennessee River for Union gunboat assault deeper south) and Fort Donelson. Donelson was a moment of particular distinction for both Grant and Cook. A siege action against an entrenched Confederate stronghold, the action around the fort lasted for several days in the middle of February of 1862, where Union forces faced a fortification with enough firepower to drive off their gunboat support, reinforced with many of the survivors from Fort Henry, and did so without the benefit of much of their artillery or winter gear. Placed in charge of General C.F. Smith's brigades for the action, Cook and his men were assembled towards the left of the Union line, performed probing attacks and spent several nights without benefit of fire due to their proximity to enemy artillery. On the 15th, following a heavy attack on the Union right during a Confederate breakout attempt, General Grant gave the order for Smith's brigades to directly assault the fort. The punched through the outer lines of fortifications and claimed them for the Union. While the brigade of Colonel Laumann made the direct assault, Colonel Cook's men ran diversionary maneuvers and protected Laumann's right flank, exposing themselves to a great deal of enemy fire; one captured rebel trooper interviewed by Cook claimed to have personally taken seventeen shots at the mounted officer, who had lost three horses over the course of the battle. That night, the Confederates determined that the cause was lost, with some estimating that the fort would only last a half-hour against another assault by Smith. In what can only be described as a farce of leadership, the Confederate commander General Floyd resigned his command and fled, and his successor, General Pillow, did exactly the same, leaving General Buckner to surrender the fort. An old service comrade of Grant, Buckner was optimistic that terms could be reached, and sent a note on the morning of the 16th. Grant felt differently, and his response was unambiguous: "Sir: Yours of this date proposing Armistice, and appointment of Commissioners, to settle terms of Capitulation is just received. No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works." It was no bluff, as Smith, Laumann and Cook were in prime position to skip all preamble and kick the proverbial doors right off their hinges. Left holding the bag by his superiors, Buckner had no choice but to yield. The victory was hailed as a resounding success, with over 12,000 Confederate troops captured, the Cumberland River opened for assault, and the capital at Nashville evacuated, the first Confederate capital to face that fate. Famous nationwide, "Unconditional Surrender" Grant and his subordinates saw many honors and promotions; Cook received a promotion to brigadier general. Separating from Grant and the 7th Illinois, General Cook was placed in command of fortifications outside of Washington, D.C., and in command of the Military District of Illinois. While serving in that last role, Cook received word of the tragic events at Ford's Theater, and the loss of his old colleague President Lincoln. Traveling to Washington, Cook served as part of the honor guard for the funeral train that took the fallen president's body home to Springfield and finally from the State Capitol to his final resting place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Leaving the service in 1865 as a permanent brigadier general of volunteers and a brevet major general. Cook returned to private life in Springfield, but he returned to service briefly in the 1870s and 1880s as the Indian Agent at the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota where he came into contact with Buffalo Bill Cody and several future members of his Wild West Show. Retiring to Michigan, General Cook passed on in 1910. After the General's passing, the sword and its accessories were presented to the State of Illinois by one of his surviving grandchildren without the knowledge or consent of his children, a situation that was not resolved until 1971 when the sword was returned to his one surviving child with the addition of the museum-style inventory markings described above. Included with the lot is a large quantity of information on the general and his life, including photocopies of a book written by his surviving child, copies of the general's own report on the action at Donelson, correspondence relating to the return of the sword, two veteran's association medals and a pair of Grand Army of the Republic cufflinks.

Documentation

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Price Realized:

Silver Plated, Engraved, and Etched Ball, Black & Co./Collins & Co. Officer's Sword and an Ornate and Inscribed Scabbard Presented to Capt. Spencer W. Richardson of the 44th Massachusetts Volunteers

Lot 3352

Presentation Scabbard and Officer's Sword

The right side of the scabbard is inscribed "Presented by the Members & Friends of the/MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSN/of Boston/To Capt. Spencer W. Richardson/Co. E/44th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers raised under/the auspices of the Association." The association ran a subscription library and hosted lecture series which included notable figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Ward Beecher among many others. Spencer Welles Richardson enlisted in the 44th Massachusetts Militia for nine months as captain of Company E in August 1862. The regiment served with the 18th Corps in the Department of North Carolina and mustered out in June 1863. They saw light action in the war and suffered only 11 casualties. Richardson was reported to have been shot twice in the arm while leading his men during the Battle of Washington in April 1863. The scabbard also has a pair of goats holding the upper two suspension rings, a bestial ornament just below, bald eagle accent by the lower ring, laurel accent further down, a profile of Athena on an accent down near the drag, and scrollwork drag. The body of the scabbard is silver plated and has a stand of arms up top, the inscription surrounded by scrollwork, a representation of Columbia, and additional scrollwork. The sword has a 31 inch lightly curved blade with floral, geometric, and patriotic etching along most of the length on both sides, "12" marked on the base of the spine, and "BALL, BLACK/&Co/N.Y." etched above the left ricasso which is stamped "COLLINS & CO/HARTFORD/CONN." The hilt has a silver plated guard and pommel with a lion head on the finial, female face on the pommel with snakes coming down from her blowing hair and wrapping around her neck (Medusa or one of her Gorgonian sisters), and floral scrollwork. The grip is brass wire wrapped shark skin.

Price Realized:

Lot 3353

Civil War Presentation Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword

This presentation variation of the Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's sword has a 32 1/2 inch lightly curved Damascus blade with gold backed patriotic etching which includes "for the Union" around "US" on the left and the seal of the U.S. on the right accented by scrollwork. The spine is etched with "IRON PROOF" also finished in gold. The left ricasso has a W. Clauberg maker's mark. The hilt is gilded brass with a bald eagle battling a snake on the guard and is engraved on both the front and back, bust of Columbia the palm side of the pommel, and scroll accents. The grip is beautifully carved and checkered antique ivory with an intricate representation of Columbia under thirteen stars. The scabbard has a silver plated body and gilded brass accents with patriotic, floral, and martial patterns including another bust of Columbia on the lower suspension ring band. The backside of the scabbard has the following inscription between the suspension bands: "Presented to/Lt. J. Strunk/by the members of Co B/2d. Vet. Cav. NYV." Joseph Strunk first enlisted on May 17, 1861, as a sergeant in Company A of the 18th New York Infantry and was promoted on December 9, 1862, to 2nd lieutenant. He mustered out on May 28, 1863, and then joined the 2nd Regiment Veteran Cavalry, New York State Volunteers on August 26, 1863, at Saratoga and was mustered in as a first lieutenant in Co. B. He was commissioned a captain on December 14, 1863, indicating the sword was presented between August and December of 1863. His company mustered out on November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Alabama. At least one source indicates he was breveted a major. The 2nd was glorified in the New York Times on May 8, 1864, with the correspondent noting "a nobler or braver set of men never stood up for freedom and justice, as is proven by the noble slain in the late battles in Western Louisiana. . .what they have proven on a score of bloody fields before, that not a drop of coward blood runs in their veins; and that, when hot work and brave hearts are needed, there they will always be found. . .in the late battle near Pleasant Hill, La., this regiment covered the army as it fell back to Pleasant Hill, preparatory to the great slaughter that took place on that memorable field. At times, my informant says, they stood for a half hour under a murderous fire of the enemy, fixed and immovable as if on parade, though the flushed and confident enemy essayed repeatedly to put them, to flight. When the army retired some distance, they, with coolness and precision, moved to the rear, formed line, and again confronted the foe, immovable as statues, though friends and comrades were falling fast on every side."

Price Realized:

Documented Historic Civil War Gilt, Silver, and Jeweled Staff Officer’s Presentation Sword with Columbia Figural Hilt and Scabbard Inscribed to Colonel, Later Brevet Brigadier General, Robert N. Pearson

Lot 3354

Civil War Staff Officer's Presentation Sword

This high grade presentation sword appears in "Warman's Civil War Collectibles Identification and Price Guide, 3rd Edition" on page 355 where it is listed as a having Lady Liberty hilt. Both Lady Liberty and Columbia are based on the Roman goddess Libertas. Columbia was the more common figure in 19th century America and encompasses both liberty and other American ideals. The Phrygian cap on the figure is more commonly associated with Columbia than Lady Liberty. It has a W. Clauberg 31 3/4 inch lightly curved, single edged blade with etched floral motifs, a full body rendition of a Union color-bearer armed with a sword on the left and an infantryman with a rifle-musket on the right, and "US" on the left. The grip is a silver full body rendition of Columbia with starred edges on her gown, a gilded brass Phrygian cap, a red jewel at the center of her chest, a sword in her right hand, and a laurel in her right hand, and the remainder of the hilt is gilded brass with a sea serpent quillon with red jeweled eyes and floral scrollwork basket with seven more red jewels. The steel scabbard has a browned body, elaborate gilt fittings and a silver presentation plaque between the suspension rings inscribed "Presented to/ Col. R.N. Pearson./31st Ills V.V.I./ By the Officers of his Regt./June 1, 1865." Pearson was memorialized by his fellow servicemen in "Memorials of Deceased Companions of the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States." Robert Newton Pearson (1840-1903) was born in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, and moved to Illinois just before the Civil War. The following note about his service was found after his death: "I enlisted as a private in the Tenth Illinois Infantry, April 17th, 1861, for three months. After that service I re-enlisted as a private in the Thirty-first Illinois Infantry (John A. Logan's Regiment), September 3d, 1861. I went through the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry and Fort Donelson carrying a musket as a private soldier. May 16th, 1862, I was appointed First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Regiment. February 24th, 1863, I was elected-Major by the officers of the Regiment, and commissioned as such by the Governor. I was elected and commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel July 2d, 1863. Was elected and commissioned Colonel September 24th, 1864. March 13th, 1865, I was commissioned by the President of the United States Brigadier-General by brevet for meritorious services on the battle field, and was mustered out of the services with the regiment July 31st, 1865." This sword would have been presented to him by his junior officers just following the Grand Review in Washington, D.C. (May 22-24, 1865) and was no doubt regarded as a great honor for a young man who had risen steadily through the ranks from a private all the way to a brevet brigadier general in a few years. He is said to have "had in him all the elements which go to make up a gallant and accomplished soldier. It is said of him by those who were near him during the whole period of his career as an officer, that the rage of battle and fury of conflict, however great, never caused in the mind of our Companion the least dismay or the slightest hesitation. He never faltered and he never doubted; and it is said by his superior officers that during the long period of his command of the Thirty-First Illinois Infantry, and through the many engagements in which it participated under him, he never gave a command or issued an order inconsistent with the highest and best military judgment." Among his heroic moments during the war was his command of the 31st at Vicksburg where he led his men in charges on the 19th and 22nd of May 1863. He also led the unit in many other battles including through the Atlanta Campaign and Sherman’s March to the Sea and was present at the Grand Review on May 24, 1865, at the close of the war. He met his wife at General John A. Logan’s home during the war. After the war, they lived in Springfield, and he later worked in the Post Office in Chicago, served as a customs officer, and was elected to the Illinois General Assembly.

Price Realized:

Historic Pre-War Krieghoff Drilling Presented to Famous World War II Luftwaffe Ace Adolf Galland with Documentation

Lot 3424

Pre-War Krieghoff Drilling Presented to WWII Ace Adolf Galland

This is a very historic early pre-war Krieghoff drilling with Hensoldt Wetzlar 4x scope and a silver Luftwaffe presentation plaque with factory number/cod on the right side of the stock indicating presentation to famed German ace Adolf Galland. The silver plaque is approximately 2 x 3 inches and has a large Luftwaffe Eagle above the inscription "Fur Unser Befehlshaber von/I Gruppe III Staffel JG 26/21 Juni 1940." An accompanying laminated signed letter from Adolf Galland himself explains that this drilling was presented to him “just prior the Battle of Britain” (July-October 1940) by the men of his unit, I Gruppe, III Staffel JG26, after becoming Gruppe commander. “I carried my whole weapon collection with more than 35 gun and rifles through the (sic) whole war. By the end of the war the collection was at Hohenpeißenberg (sic)…and was taken by the occupying American forces”, continued Galland who often organized hunting parties for his men throughout the war. Adolf Galland is one of the best known and most dashing of the high scoring WWII German aces, accredited with 104 confirmed kills during his career. He started his aviation career in 1927 when he took his first glider flight. He soon became a champion glider pilot and earned admission into the prestigious Lufthansa's pilot training center at Braunschweig. The pilot training he received at the Lufthansa center soon helped him receive admission into the fledging Luftwaffe Flying Corps. He flew his first combat missions in 1937 in the Spanish Civil War and few combat missions again in the early days of WWII during the invasion of the low lands, Poland, Czechoslovakia, France, the Battle of Britain and throughout Europe. At age 29 he was the youngest general in the German forces with sole responsibilities of Luftwaffe units in Norway, Russia, Eastern Europe, Italy and Africa. He remained on active flying status all the way to the end of the WWII, flying his last missions in April 1945 in the first production jet, the Messerschmitt Me 262. He was captured at the end of the war and was eventually released in 1947. After his release, he went on to a very successful career as an aviation consultant for the Argentine Reinforce and the post-war German Air Force. Galland died in February 1996. The drilling has 23 ½ inch all blued barrels chambered in 16 gauge and 8mm Mauser, the rare Duralumin receiver, a light engraving on the receiver and breech end of the barrels, and excellent European walnut stock and forearm with hand cut checkering. The rib is fitted with a set of double claw mounts that perfectly fit the scope. The top of the left barrel is marked "SEMPER & KRIEGHOFF, SUHL," the underside of the receiver is marked "KRIEGHOFF DRILLING/WALDSCHUTZ-DURAL,” the underside of each shotgun barrel is marked "ROCHLING ELECTRO," and the right side of the rifle barrel is marked "KRUPP-LAUF". It has matching numbers on the barrels, receiver and forend. The stock is highly figured presentation quality walnut, and the length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. This lot also includes 2 copies of photographs showing Galland’s hunting parties, 3 WWII photographs of Galland featuring Cyrillic markings on the back, 1 colored reprint photograph of Galland which has his signature, and framed limited addition print “The Warrior’s Sword Had Come to Rest” (314/500) by James Dietz.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 16/8x57JR

Price Realized:

Elaborate Gold Damascene Embellished Toledo-Made Presentation Sword, Inscribed to a Buenos Aires Police Chief, with Inscribed Presentation Case

Lot 3431

Toledo Presentation Sword for an Argentine Police Chief, w/Case

Measuring 38 1/4 inches overall, this fine sword is fitted with a 33 inch single edged single fuller blade, decorated on each side of the ricasso and in a set of 16 1/4 inch panels with gold highlighted and niter blue filled etching, with scroll and floral designs. The right panel is marked "SEAN ETERNOS LOS LAURELES" (may the laurels be eternal, referencing a line from the Argentine National Anthem) and the left "POR MI PATRIA" (for my country), as well as "FABRICA/DE/TOLEDO" on the left ricasso and "DANIEL DOBAL/AL CORONEL/JUAN J. GRANEROS" on the right. The hilt is gilt finished, with busts of Liberty and Victory on the languets, raised oak leaves around Medusa's head on the stirrup guard, a sculpted and engraved Argentine Coat of Arms on the dove head pommel, and a ribbed one piece hard rubber grips. The scabbard is constructed from blued steel, with one suspension ring. Included with the sword is a brown leather case marked "CORONEL/JUAN J. GRANEROS/FEBRERO(February) 1929", with a white velvet lined French-cut interior with spaces for the scabbard and sword. Daniel Dobal has not been positively identified; records show a Daniel Dobal as receiving a patent for an automatic welding machine c.1930. Coronel (Colonel) Juan Graneros is recorded as a director of the Police of the Federal Capital in Buenos Aires circa 1928-1930. Graneros was part of a conspiracy within the cabinet of then-President Irigoyen, which considered the President mentally unfit for the job. This conspiracy, while not actively participating in the coup d'état of General Uriburu in 1930, played a critical role by downplaying and suppressing evidence of the impending rebellion, as well as obstructing attempts of loyal cabinet members to detain the members of Uriburu's conspiracy.

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Lot 3515

German Diplomatic Sword with Scabbard

Measuring 38 inches overall, this sword is fitted with a 33 inch long blade, straight with a hexagonal cross section, decorated on the lower half with etched scrollwork with niter blue fields, gold washed panels, and "In/Treue/Fest" on the right side. No maker's marks are present on the ricasso. The hilt is brass, with a seated lion flanked by sculpted lion heads on the languet, raised floral scroll designs, a crown in a sunburst on the right grip panel, and a lion head pommel. The scabbard is black leather with brass fittings.

Price Realized:

Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Company Damascus Pattern Saxon Uhlanen Officer's Lion Head "Grossmesser" Sword with Scabbard

Lot 3516

WKC Damascus Lion Head Officers Sword, w/Scabbard

Measuring 35 inches overall, this sword is fitted with a 30 inch curved quillback blade, showing a fine Damascus pattern down the length. An etched and gold washed panel wraps around the bottom of the blade, with a crowned "FR" cipher and "EISENHAUER" (Iron Hewer) on the right side over the WKC logo, "MATTH. MULLER KGL. HOFL. LEIPZIG" on the spine, and the Coat of Arms of Saxony on the left side. The hilt is gilt brass, with a panther-head rear quillion, a set of crossed swords and pennants on the right languet, a blank inscription shield on the left, deep floral and leaf accented spine, the Saxon crest on the stirrup guard, a lion's head pommel with red glass eyes, and a wire wrapped rayskin grip. With an iron scabbard.

Price Realized:

Lot 3534

Excellent Signed Japanese Blade in Shirasaya Mounts

Measuring 37 inches long overall length, the blade features a 28 3/4 inch cutting edge, a very bold and active hamon ranging from one quarter inch to nearly a full inch in width and active grain. The tang features a single mekugi-ana, with a six-figure signature on the left side and another six on the right. The upper inch of the tang is brighter than the remainder, giving the appearance of a shortened blade. No translation was provided, though consignor notes attribute the construction to 1932. With a set of shirasaya fittings.

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