June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
This lot comprises items that belonged to Captain Thomas Mower McDougall an officer in Custer's 7th Cavalry Regiment. In one of the most interesting side stories to emerge after the battle, Captain McDougall's "B" Company was meant to be part of Custer's battalion on June 25th. But because McDougall overslept and missed the strategy meeting, he and his company were "exiled" to guarding Lieutenant Mathey's pack train. The rest is history, Custer's column was annihilated to a man, and McDougall's luck was to spare him and most of his men to fight another day. Lot consists of: (A) M1872 presentation saber with white sharkskin handle wrapped in gold thread and brass ornamented scabbard. Ricasso is marked: SHANNON, MILLER, & CRANE New York. Blade is heavily acid etched and gold washed. This saber and scabbard were at one time protected in the accompanying fringed and floral beaded fringed scabbard that is likely Eastern Sioux. This scabbard is heavily documented by Custer historians, and can be seen in the photograph hanging on McDougall's memento wall beneath the "Dunlallie" sign. (B) McDougall's Model 1860 cavalry saber. Ricasso is marked: MANSFIELD & LAMB. Blade displays overall gray patina, some light scattered mossing, and no major digs or bends. Scabbard is correct to the sword and is very nice save a few tiny door dents. This sword can also be identified in the photograph hanging on the wall directly behind McDougall's head. (C) M1872 gold gilt chain and cavalry buttons from his his 1872 dress helmet. (D) McDougall's officer bullion shoulder knot with sterling captains bars and "7" embroidered on the slightly faded cavalry yellow field. (E) Circa 1890's black and white cabinet photo of McDougall in his study surrounded by Indian Wars relics to include the ones offered here. Also included is a signed letter discussing the items from the late Custer historian Glenn Swanson, and a letter and newspaper article from another former owner. As a historical note, McDougall clung to very few items of particular significance to him. A few photographs of friends, some documents, letters, and some items from his campaigns, to include the Little Bighorn. PROVENANCE: Swanson, G. A. Custer: His Life and Times, pages 108-109 and 260. From the late Glenwood Swanson Collection.
Condition: (Excellent).
Blade Length
(A) 35" (B) 33 - 1/4"
Overall Length
(A) 41" (B) 38 - 1/2"