November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Measuring 26 - 3/4” overall, with a 21 - 1/2” blade, this short sword exhibits a hilt with concentric ringed grip atop a sloping section, leading to the crossguard and a flattened globular pommel with spherical pommel cap, which is typical construction of E.J. Johnston or W.J. McElroy. The blade is constructed of steel, and features a double edge with no fuller. A note from the Hartzler Collection accompanies this short sword and states that this specimen was “obtained by souvenir hunters at Crum’s Ford at the Battle of Monocacy". The Battle of Monocacy was fought on July 9, 1864, in Maryland, as part of the Valley Campaigns of 1864, and was the northernmost Confederate victory of the war. Confederate artillery played a crucial role during the battle especially when it prevented General Lew Wallace from reinforcing James Rickett’s men. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a gray patina with several chips along the edges. The blade is mostly straight but appears misshapen, which would not be uncommon for Southern craftmanship. There is evidence of delamination, which is also another common characteristic. The brass hilt exhibits a pleasant patina with obvious casting flaws and wear from handling and age. There is a slight gap between the blade and guard. Distinguishing between artillery short swords made by Johnston and those made by McElroy, the other manufacturer in Macon, Georgia, is the subject of much debate in collector circles. Some attribute the unfullered blade and the better finished recessed panel of the guard, and turned sunken roundels at the crossguard ends to McElroy. There is no debate, however, that 1 of the 2 Macon makers produced this sword.
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