September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
James B. White graduated from the Citadel, the framed military academy in Charleston, South Carolina in 1849. He became its superintendent in 1861 where he served until the wars ended. During the Civil War the cadets at the Arsenal and Citadel were organized as a battalion of States Cadets. Major White was in charge of the cadets that were known as company A. Several times during the Civil War he was ordered to deploy the cadets. One of the most famous incidents of the Civil War involved Major White and his cadets. The battle was historically significant because it was one of the rare occasions when the United States Marines fought in combat during the Civil War. In addition, the Confederate forces included the entire Corps of Cadets from the South Carolina Military Academy (now The Citadel) who comprised more than a third of the Rebel force. It is also the only occasion when the entire student body of a U.S. college fought in combat. This was referred to as the battle of Tulifinny and it was fought against General Sherman's forces during his famous march to the sea. Another very famous incident that Major White's cadets were involved was the firing on the Star of the West. The Star of the West was hired by the United States government to transport military supplies and reinforcements to the U.S. military garrison of Fort Sumter, but was fired on by cadets from The Citadel. The ship was a substitute for Sloop-of-War. It was fired upon in January 1861. After the war, the Citadel was occupied by Federal forces and none of the cadets were called back to college. This original sword and scabbard was Major White's personal saber. The scabbard is decorated with the state seal of South Carolina with the 1776 date. Beneath that is a 1" circular inscription that was stamped State Cadets with initials J.B.W. in script (James Benjamin White) 1828-1906. An extremely interesting and historically important offering from one of the more unique of all Civil War experiences. The sword itself is a standard 1850s officer's staff sword that has nice fire blue air blade with federal eagle. The sword bears no special inscriptions, but it is the historical value of the sword and especially the scabbard, that makes this an important piece of Civil War history. The sword itself is a circa 1840s officer's saber with a curved blade that measures 31". There is no manufacturer on the hilt. Etched in a patriotic theme with eagle, ribbon, cannons, flag, and an Indian head. The etchings are in gold. Center of the blade has the fire blued tempered surface. The blade does not show signs of heavy sharpening. Has some age freckling. The hand guard is made of brass. Wood handle. Wire wrap is missing. The sword blade is nice, but re-wrapping the wooden handle would greatly enhance its appearance.
Item Dimensions: 39"