GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
PRESENTATION HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR JEWELED STATUE HILT SWORD TO BRIG. GENERAL JOHN T. CROXTON.John Thomas Croxton (1836-1874) was born in Paris, Kentucky, the oldest son of a Virginia born planter and slave owner. He graduated with honors from Yale University and was practicing law in Paris and was an ardent supporter for emancipation of slaves including his fathers which alienated him from much of his Kentucky brethren. In October 1861 as the war escalated, Lincoln appointed Croxton as Lt. Colonel of the 4th Kentucky mounted infantry which saw fighting at Millsprings and Perryville. Croxton was wounded when his brigade tangled with Nathan Bedford Forrest, September 19, 1863 touching off the battle of Chickamauga. He was promoted to Brig. General at the age of 27 in 1864 and his cavalry was active in Alabama burning most of the town of Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama's buildings. Croxton was not a popular man in Alabama. After the war he was military governor of the District of Southwest Georgia. During Ulysses S. Grant's presidency, Croxton was US Minister to Bolivia, he died their in office in 1874. His remains were shipped home and he is buried in the Paris Cemetery in Paris, Kentucky. Presentation on top mount reads "PRESENTED TO / BRIG GEN JOHN T CROXTON / BY 1ST TENN CAV / DECR. 1864". It is interesting there is a space between December and 1864. Croxton was brigade commander after August 12, 1864 and was promoted Brig. General. Croxton's brigade on November 30 had another engagement with N. B. Forrest at Douglas Church near Franklin. Croxton wrote glowing reviews of his 1st Tennessee Cavalry in the Nashville and Franklin campaigns about the date of the presentation of this beautiful saber with 32" etched blade with large central motto "NO COMPROMISE WITH TRAITORS". Grip is half relief statue of Lady Liberty and other half of solid metal grip has well mounted large cabochon garnet, another on the pommel cap surrounded by an additional 16 small cabochon garnets. Raised relief eagle is found on face of pommel and ornate oak leaf and acorn decorated basket with intertwined letters "US" terminates with an eagle head quillon. Steel scabbard has large relief engraved mounts with eagle, panoply of arms, and full standing soldier in front of crossed flags. SIZE: CONDITION: Very good overall. Blade is overall grey with some luster, crisp etched panels with staining and pitting at ricasso. Brass has been cleaned overall, toned to a medium mustard patina. 52865-35 JS (7,000-9,000)