GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR OFFICER''S SWORD OF CAPT JAMES HENRY OF THE 37TH PENNSYLVANIA WHO WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF 2ND BULL RUN.This unique sword is fresh to the market and just recently from Pittsburgh, PA estate of the descendents of Capt. James Henry. This sword is an unusual, non-regulation brass mounted and brass scabbarded branched hilt sword with pierced folding languet. Sword has shark skin grip & fancy double twisted wire. Blade is etched with patriotic American motifs and scabbard has "PRESENTED TO CAPT. J. G. HENRY BY THE MEMBERS OF CO. A 8TH REGT PRC". The 8th Pennsylvania Reserves became the 37th Pennsylvania Infantry. Capt. James G. Henry enlisted April 22, 1861 and served the entire war with his company until unit mustered out May 24, 1864 back in Pittsburgh where the unit was originally organized. The regiment saw much action during the war, including the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, VA fought August 30, 1862 where Capt Henry''s company had 52 casualties of just over 90 men engaged including Capt. Henry who was shot through both thighs and also shot through the top of his head, seriously disabling him. It is amazing that Capt. Henry survived, recovered in only a few months and was back in service. Surgeons records (which copies are included) describe the scars left by his injuries. Capt. Henry & Company A''s exploits are found in copies of various records and histories that accompany this lot. SIZE: CONDITION: Very good overall. This sword no doubt saw service from the numerous small dents & blemishes in scabbard, small bends in hilt. There is a contemporary braised repair to scabbard which is deeply patinaed like the rest of the sword hilt & scabbard with dark chocolate and brown brass patina. There are small drips of paint scattered over surface of sword & scabbard. Shark skin grip is intact as is most of the orig wire wrap, though it is loose in areas. The 31" blade is grey overall with etched panels, all discernible with some orig luster, with scattered areas of staining, pitting & old sharpening near tip. 49613-1 JS (3,000-5,000)