GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
EXTREMELY RARE AND HISTORIC HYDE & GOODRICH, NEW ORLEANS PRESENTATION OFFICER'S SWORD OF CAPTAIN CHARLES A. COLHOUN OF THE ALLEGHANY SPRING GRAYS, VIRGINIA.Hyde & Goodrich marked Confederate swords are extremely rare, no more than a handful of examples are known. Hyde & Goodrich was a famous New Orleans fancy goods dealer which had been in business for 50 years but was dissolved 3 months after the Civil War began, so their Confederate products are virtually unknown. This example is well known being once part of the Fred Edmunds collection. 7-line inscription on top scabbard mount reads "Presented to Capt. Charles A. Colhoun of the Alleghany Spring Grays by the visitors at the Alleghany Springs August 1861". Alleghany Springs is found near Cheat Mountain and a battle was fought at Camp Allegheny December 13, 1861. Confederate troops were commanded by Colonel Edward Johnson during this campaign in western Virginia and he would receive the nickname "Allegheny" Johnson for his heroic effort and after battle remained in area commanding troops at Camp Alleghany. Camp Alleghany battlefield in on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a top 10 endangered battlefield due to proposed wind turbines being built and destroying existing entrenchments. Not only is this among a few Hyde & Goodrich marked Confederate swords, it is among the few and possibly only inscribed sword relating to Alleghany Springs Virginia (Now West Virginia). SIZE: CONDITION: Sword overall is fine with 29-3/4" gray blade still showing some finishing marks with scattered staining and light pitting. Makers mark is very good as can be seen in photos. Original red cloth washer is retained. Grip is complete retaining all its original brown leather with much original polish and tight complete twisted wire wrap. Hilt and top 2 scabbard mounts retain matching patina with traces of gilt. Drag is possible replacement as patina is much lighter but correct configuration. Leather scabbard body is intact though weak and unsewn scabbard retains small percentage of original polished surface with balance scuffed. 50412-52 JS (15,000-25,000)