GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
EXTREMELY FINE AND HIGH GRADE INDIAN WARS PRESENTATION STAFF AND FIELD OFFICERS SWORD, BRIG. GENERAL DAVID CRAIGIE, 12TH US INFANTRY, FT YATES, NORTH DAKOTA.This exquisite sword imported by Shannon, Miller & Crane, New York City was made in Solingen with 30" double edged blade with American patriotic etched panels with gold highlights and Craigie's name on blade. This is the highest grade of Model 1860/1872 you will likely even encounter. Scabbard is mounted with cut-through relief decorated gilted brass mounts with unusual and finely etched military motifs and inscription "PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN D. J. CRAIGIE, / BY THE ENLISTED MEN OF THE 12TH U.S. INFT'Y / AT FORT YATES, N.D.". David Craigie, who was born in Scotland in 1840, had distinguished Civil War service serving originally with the 8th Iowa Infantry in 1861, being wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of Shiloh serving until end of war and being transferred to Leavenworth, KS. After the Civil War he was commissioned 2nd Lt. in the 12 U.S. Infantry serving on the Pacific Coast for several years when in 1887 the regiment was stationed at Ft. Yates (named for Custer officer George Yates, killed at Little Bighorn). Craigie commanded a company on the Sitting Bull Sioux Campaign during Winter of 1890-91. Craigie's long service was rewarded by promotion to Brig General just before his retirement in 1903. He died in 1913 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with a large memorial (Section 1, Grave 307). Accompanying sword is fine framed MOLLUS membership document dated 1885, signed by General Winfield Scott Hancock. Large file of research accompanies this lot. SIZE: CONDITION: Fine-very fine overall, blade retains luster and much of it's gold etched background. Gilt on multi-branched decorated hilt and scabbard mounts is 90%+ intact. Slab grips appear Mother-of-Pearl and are excellent and intact. Attached sword knot is in matching fine complete condition. 51685-1 JS (6,500-8,500)