November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Robert G. King was born in 1832 and enlisted as a Captain of the Purnell Legion where he is listed as a member of the Infantry in Company C starting on September 1, 1861. His time as a captain was short, as he resigned on December 5, 1862 in order to accept a commission as the unit’s major on February 10, 1863. The Purnell Legion, recruited in late 1861 and organized at Pikesville, consisted of 9 companies of infantry, 2 of cavalry and 2 batteries of light artillery, mustered in for 3 years. In February 1862 its different branches of service were converted to separate units and assigned to the 8th corps. As part of Lockwood's brigade, the infantry was posted at Baltimore, assisted in clearing the eastern shore of Virginia, and in May hurried to Harpers Ferry to check the advance of the Confederate army in the Shenandoah. It then joined Pope’s 2nd Corps, serving at Cedar Mountain and in reserve at 2nd Manassas. It joined the 12th Corps, Army of the Potomac, in time for Antietam, losing 3 killed and 23 wounded, was detached for duty at Frederick in December and returned to the 8th Corps in early 1863. In May 1864 it was assigned to the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac, fighting in the Wilderness and Petersburg campaigns. Its battle honors included Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Shady Grove, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, the assaults on Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Peebles' Farm, Poplar Spring Church, and a number actions about Richmond and Petersburg. On October 24, 1864, the original members, except those who re-enlisted, were mustered out. As a field officer Major King was sometimes found in command of the regiment, as is found in the records, and served until muster out on October 24, 1864. While in service the legion lost 43 men killed in battle and 74 who died of disease. Robert King passed away in 1880 and is buried in Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore. King’s sword is attractive and is named to him on the blade. The Model 1860 Staff Officer’s sword is in the standard configuration with double edged spearpoint blade and long ricasso. The obverse blade is neatly etched with foliate and patriotic motifs which surround the letters “U.S.” that are contained in a diamond vignette. The reverse blade features similar decorations with the letters “U.S.” replaced by “Robert G. King” in Old English, surrounded by the same motifs including a federal eagle which is perched above the maker mark “HORSTMANN / PHILADELPHIA” just above the ricasso. The ricasso is mostly plain, except for a shield proof on the reverse. Brass hilt with shell guard which is decorated with an eagle perched on and surrounded by a stand of US flags. Folding shell counterguard which is mostly plain except for stippling around the border. 2 ferrules adorned with laurel branches flank the simulated rayskin grip which is grooved to accommodate strands of twisted brass wire. The pommel is decorated with a spread winged eagle on 1 side and a shield on the other with a flower decoration on the pommel cap. The knucklebow also features floral decorations and forms into the guard, later terminating in a flowered quillon. A patriotic red, white, and blue portepee is tied around the knucklebow. The sword is complete with its steel scabbard which features brass mounts which are decorated with laurel leaves. The upper mount accommodates 2 carry rings while the middle mount accommodates 1 carry ring. The scabbard retains an old label which identifies it to Major Robert King. CONDITION: The blade remains bright with crisp decorations. Scattered blemishes, including areas of freckling mostly towards the tip. The hilt exhibits a pleasing, light patina with functioning folding counterguard. The grip exhibits typical blemishes from handling wear and age. The scabbard is also bright, with scattered blemishes from wear throughout its length. Sturdy mounts with brass throat in place. Brass throat is loose. The sword is accompanied by a folder of research regarding Major King’s service. Overall very good.
Paperwork
Folder of Research