GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
FINE CONFEDERATE INSCRIBED LOUIS HAIMAN, COLUMBUS GEORGIA FOOT OFFICER'S SWORD OF LT. JOSEPH CONE, 47TH GEORGIA INFANTRY.Joseph S. Cone from Schley County Georgia originally entered service in October 1861, rising through the ranks until Lt. Col. commanding the 47th Georgia. Joseph Cone attended the Georgia Military Institute, before having distinguished Confederate military record being cited by Gen. Braxton Bragg for his skill and judgement during the Chickamauga campaign. The 47th Georgia had casualties of 350 men, killed and wounded out of its original 1,000 enrolled. Cone was captured late in the war in 1865 at Savannah, GA where Frank Flynn of 38th Massachusetts took sword home as a souvenir where it remained in his family until purchased in 1983 by the renowned Confederate sword collector, Fred Edmunds. Sword is classic Louis Haiman foot of which only a handful are known. The top mount is inscribed "Lieut. / J.S. Cone". Similar inscriptions are seen on the handful of other known examples. Sword conforms to other examples with 28-1/2" heavy single fullered blade, floral decorated guard with un-decorated smooth quillon and pommel cap. The distinctive Haiman scabbards are leather covered and wood-lined with 3 brass mounts. Inscribed Confederate officer's swords are a rare commodity and this is a fine example with great condition and collection history. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Lt. Joseph S. Cone 47th Georgia Infantry 1863; Frank M. Flynn, 38th Massachusetts Infantry who captured sword in Savannah, Georgia in 1865; Flynn Family descendants; Fred Edmunds Collection, Vero Beach, FL 1983; The Confederate and Civil War estate collection of Fred Donaldson. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Blade is gray overall with scattered staining and pin-prick pitting near point. Still retains portion of its orig protective washer. Leather covered spiral cut wood grip is tight and complete though worn through at high areas with light scuffing. Tiny thin brass wire wrap is tight & intact. Scabbard body is sound with craquelure and large scratched line from movement of little mount and its stabilizing pin. Drag is a well done conservation with similar matching patina to top mounts and sword hilt and pommel. 52430-3 JS (8,000-12,000)