Possibly the single most important weapon we have ever offered at Rock Island Auction, presented here is the sword of Confederate General Paul Jones Semmes. It is the first and only sword presented to a Confederate general mortally wounded at Gettysburg to be offered at auction. Weapons of such inscribable significance can only be found in museums or remain unknown. Over 30 years ago, Norm Flayderman, probably the greatest antique arms dealer of all time, pictured this sword on the front cover of his catalog #109, describing it as, “The most historic Confederate weapons we have ever had the pleasure to catalog. It literally shouts out its historic usage.” On July 2, 1863, General James Longstreet ordered a massive, historic charge on the Union left flank at Gettysburg. In support of Kershaw’s Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Jones Semmes led his command through Rose’s Woods, smashed Sickles’ Brigade in the Wheatfield and charged into the valley of Plum Run, just below Little Round Top. The federals opened on Semmes’ doomed regiments a raking fire of shot, shell and canister at short distance, with Semmes receiving a mortal wound. (The National Park Service at Gettysburg can take you to the exact boulder that Semmes was propped up against and bandaged). The sword was purchased and disappeared after being pictured and described in Daniel Hartzlers’ book “Confederate Presentation & Inscribed Swords and Revolvers.” Now, after nearly 30 years, this wonderful artifact has resurfaced to once again to be cycled back to the collecting fraternity. Mr. Flayderman further explained that this sword was "obviously revered by Semmes as a true ‘sword of honor,' remaining at his side from the moment of its presentation to the moment of his death" and pointed out the existence of an institutionalized letter from the woman in whose house Semmes died. Written to Semmes’ wife by Mary Ogden, she reports, "A few moments before the General died, he asked for his sword, laying it across his arm, he again asked for his Testament…he took it - and with it in his hand expired.” Norm also clarifies in his catalog that the sword, as offered in catalog #109, was accompanied by documents, notes and letters to include one specifically described as item (7): “Envelope to Semmes at Fredericksburg from wife; 2 fine CS stamps. This envelope in Semmes’ pocket when wounded; written on the reverse in his hand is order/line of march which Division formed to Gettysburg; lists brigade/art’y, etc. with notation “7 o’clock—Gettysburg Road/Left in Front (position of Semmes’ brigade) 30 June, 1863”. Most remarkable document.” The accompaniment of this document is of utmost importance as it unequivocally proves that this sword was with Semmes during the Gettysburg Campaign. It is obvious that Norm requested and received these documents of provenance at the time of purchase, and only Semmes descendants would have access to such. NOTE: This envelope has since been lost by its previous owner and no longer accompanies the sword. However, we have included two original copies of Norms catalog to prove its existence. The accolades of this thrilling sword are many. “In my experience as a student, collector and dealer of Civil War Swords, those few that have documented association with the greatest and most historical of all American battles – Gettysburg - are unquestionably the most desirable. This, the only diamond mounted Ames sword known to exist, carried by a mortally wounded Confederate General (Semmes) in that greatest of conflicts, is possibly the most exciting and important sword I have ever scrutinized. Unimpeachably original and certainly iconic, collectors, historians and institutions should take note of its existence, as it will stand forever as a premier representative of the High Water Mark of the Confederacy,” Michael Simens, www.HistoricalArms.com. "There are few Confederate edged weapons that can compare to the silver and diamond-studded sword of Brig. Gen. Paul Jones Semmes. His treasured sword by Ames, the Rolls Royce of American sword makers, embodied all that was dear to a Southern patriotic gentleman - stature, elegance, duty, and valor. He was mortally wounded in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg while wielding it. He died grasping it. Robert E. Lee wrote that Semmes, 'died as he had lived, discharging the highest duty of a patriot with devotion that never faltered and courage that shrank from no danger.' This sword is without question, one of the most important of all Confederate artifacts," Steve Sylvia, publisher, North South Trader’s Civil War Magazine. Author John H. Thillmann wrote, "In a letter to Samuel Rice in 1837, Nathan P. Ames relates that the best high-grade swords the company made were of the cruciform hilt with straight blade style. Presented to Paul J. Semmes in 1854, this diamond-eyed Ames sword in silver and gilt and with exceptional engraving and chasing (including the high grade blade etching) is one of the finest Ames presentation swords I have had the pleasure to examine. Its association with the great 'Battle of Gettysburg' place it among the most desirable and elite of collectible swords from any period in American History." This highly ornate Ames militia officer’s presentation grade sword was inscribed and presented to future Confederate General Paul J. Semmes (1815-1863) in 1854. The sword scabbard has two inscriptions as follows: “Testimonial of Esteem/The Columbus Guards/TO/Capt. Paul J. Semmes/July 1854.” and on the reverse is “Presented in behalf of the/Corps by John A. Johnson. This honor/having been awarded him as the best/shot in the Company at Target practice/June 14th 1854”. Paul Jones Semmes was born in Wilkes County, Georgia, in 1815, attended the University of Virginia and returned to Wilkes County to become a banker and planter. In 1837, he was elected commander of the Georgia Militia, 1st Brigade of the 4th Division, a commission he held until 1840 when he moved to Columbus, Georgia. The move to Columbus proved most advantageous and his business endeavors flourished, enabling him to become one of Columbus’ most prominent citizens. From 1846 to 1861, Semmes served as a captain in the Georgia militia. He authored an infantry tactics manual in 1855, and in 1860 was appointed quartermaster general for the state, giving him the power to handle all military related purchases. This sword was presented to Semmes while he served as a captain of the Columbus Guards, also known as the Red Jackets. The Columbus Guard served as the military honor company at the Inauguration of Jefferson Davis, and, per Flayderman, "Semmes was in overall command of the military at that affair and doubtless carried this sword." At the start of the Civil War, J.P. Semmes was appointed colonel of the 2nd Georgia Infantry. The regiment was sent to Virginia. On March 11, 1862, and Semmes was soon promoted to brigadier general and his brigade assigned to General Magruder’s Army. Semmes led his brigade at Yorktown, Williamsburg and Seven Pines and later, while attached to McLaw’s Division, fought at Savage Station, Malvern Hill and Cramptons’s Gap. Semmes’ brigade played a key role in General McLaws’ counterattack at Antietam (Sharpsburg) and fought at the Battle of Chancellorsville where it was heavily engaged at Salem Church. At the Battle of Gettysburg, his brigade’s attack on July 2nd helped crush Sickles’ Corps in the Wheatfield. Under one of the most withering fires of shot and shell recorded to that point, Semmes led his brigade ever closer towards the Round Tops when he suffered a horrific wound to the thigh, severing his femoral artery. He was evacuated to Martinsburg, West Virginia and died eight days later, July 10, 1863. His body was brought back to Columbus to be buried in Linwood Cemetery. Reflecting on his death, General Robert E. Lee wrote Semmes "died as he had lived, discharging the highest duty of a patriot with devotion that never faltered and courage that shrank from no danger." This elegant sword is topped with a beautifully cast and detailed, full dimension bronze Eagle on its pommel, with original rough-cut diamonds set into the eyes. The rest of the hilt is composed of a most impressively sculpted cross-guard exhibiting leaf, broad twist and scroll motifs, fancy sculpted counter guard with a bold and distinctive applied eagle with shield decoration, floral and cross hatch patterns engraved on its hexagonal grip, with all being silver plated and bowed with a double link chain. The overall length of the sword is 37 ¾ inches. The 31 ½ inch blade features near full etched coverage floral scroll and military/patriotic motifs and has the maker’s marking “Ames Mfg. Co./Chicopee/Mass.” Besides the noted engraved inscriptions, the heavily silver plated scabbard features deluxe applied mounts of military/patriotic decorations with sculpted carrying rings secured by a set of screws on the reverse, and raised floral scroll decoration. The drag has similar floral scroll appointments. The area below the lower carrying ring is engraved with floral scrolls and a mighty eagle. “Made by/AMES Mfg Co/Chicopee/Mass” is marked near the throat.

Exceptionally fine. The sword is absolutely untouched and of strikingly elegant colored patinas on its silver plate, consisting of brilliant blues, bronzes, silvers and gold of varying intensities and all retaining polish. The sword shows use and carry but was obviously well cared for, delighting all senses of sight and mind. The blade retains almost all of its acid etch and much of its original polish mixing with stains and slight corrosion, as would be expected from a weapon that was carried in many weathers and used as a guidon in battle. The hilt retains 95% original silver plating and has very few minor dings on the grip. The engraving is crisp. The scabbard retains 95% of the original heavy silver plating. There is a crack visible in a deeply engraved flourish near the middle of the scabbard (almost unnoticeable) and a minor dent near the throat. The hilt and scabbard show numerous slight dings and scratches, again, as would be expected on a sword that was carried. The overall appearance of the sword is still stunningly beautiful. This is certainly an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an incredible Confederate sword carried by a general officer who fought at Gettysburg and ultimately died from his wounds. If you only want the very best for your collection, or one historical sword that towers over others classified as “World-Class”, here’s your opportunity.