AMER WINTER 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/9/2017
THREE CIVIL WAR SWORDS OF BREVET BRIG GENERAL CHARLES A R DIMON, LATER MAYOR OF LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS.These three officer's swords are "as found" with dark patinas, apparently once burned in a fire, but metal is intact with restored leather grips. The two foot officer's swords are both made and maker marked by Christopher Roby of West Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Both Roby foot officer's swords have 18-19" long etched panels with the unique, classic patriotic etchings Roby was famous for. Etched panels include cannon, panoply of arms, flags, eagles and floral motifs. The third sword is a German import listed by Peterson in American Swords as non-reg officer's sword. This sword with iron basket has cut-out eagle with ribbon "E Pluribus Unum" and large "US". The back-strap is inscribed "C. A. R. Dimon / Brevet Brig. Gen. / War of 1861-1865". Charles Dimon (1841-1902) began service in the Civil War as a private in the 8th Massachusetts, rising through the ranks to Major of the 30th Massachusetts while under command of General Benjamin Butler in New Orleans and Vicksburg. Dimon was given an unusual command in September 1862 being in charge of the 2nd Louisiana Infantry which was made up of Louisiana loyalists and former Confederate prisoners of war. The 2nd Louisiana saw service at Port Hudson and was later sent to Ft. Rice, Dakota Territory, again with ex-Confederate soldiers to fight Indians. Dimon saw hard service the entire war and in many theaters and was Brevetted Brigadier General March 13, 1865. He later worked for General Benjamin Butler as Manager of the U S Cartridge Company in Lowell, Mass. and became the 37th Mayor of Lowell in 1901, dying in office in 1902. A file of biographical data accompanies. SIZE: 37" to 38" overall. CONDITION: Swords are sound and solid, though one sword is missing knuckle bow to pommel pin. Metal shows varying degrees of fire scale, etching is barely discernible on the P-75, but mostly discernible on the Roby's. Grips are restored with leather washers like in the early 20th century style of American fighting knives. 51503-1 JS (800-1,200)