GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
EXTREMELY RARE JAMES CONNING, MOBILE, ALABAMA CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER'S SWORD.This is a rarely found orig, complete and authentic James Conning staff officers sword. Throat is inscribed "MADE BY / JAMES CONNING / MOBILE". Each part of this sword has matching assembly number "297" which can be found externally on blade and each scabbard mount. This is a Confederate copy of the US Model 1850 Staff and Field Officers sword with florally decorated hilt with letters "CS" cast. James Conning was one of the few Confederate sword makers to set up manufacturing of high quality officers swords early in the Civil War. Jacob Faser headed the operation from June of 1861 until April 1862; Faser had previously been a sword maker and silversmith working for Horstmann of Philadelphia for 15 years prior to coming to Mobile. Conning also was a jeweler and silversmith prior to the Civil War and sold and decorated American swords prior to Alabama's secession. SIZE: CONDITION: Very good overall. 30-1/2" blade is grey overall with scattered areas of staining and pitting, especially near tip. Assembly number is crisp as are assembly numbers on each scabbard mount. Leather grip and brass wire wrap appear mostly complete and tight with some reductions in leather, but wood exposed has taken on similar color and patina not affecting aesthetics. Hilt is sound and solid with inward bend of quillon with mustard patina with traces of gilt in protected areas. Leather scabbard body is sound, dry with old scuffing with about 2" open sewn seam near drag. Maker markings on throat are easily discerned, mounts show old cleaning with mustard colored patina, drag has several bends and dents. 51574-5 JS (20,000-30,000)