June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
29 - 1/2" long double edged blade with narrow single fuller, etched with florals and American eagle surrounded by riband with E Pluribus Unum. Right side with trophy of arms. Brass crossguard with relief American eagle on rock, fierce eagle head brass pommel. Knuckleguard consisting of a brass chain. Silver plated scabbard of brass with two hangers engraved on right side of scabbard "Colonel William F. Martin / From Friends". According to our consignor, William T. Martin was appointed Colonel of the Jeff Davis Legion cavalry and assigned to Jeb Stuart's Corps. At the Battle of Chickamauga his staff were surrounded by an overwhelming number of Union troops and Martin decided to try and fight their way through. A Union soldier from Ohio grabbed Martin as he tried to get past, grabbing Martin by the belt. The belt broke and Martin escaped, but he lost this sword to the Ohio soldier. The Ohio man returned the sword to Martin after the Civil War was over. William Thompson Martin ended up as a Major General in the Confederate army. We have no way of verifying if he was in possession of this sword during battle. CONDITION: Blade is smooth grey patina, etching somewhat worn. Brass fittings, one silver plated with traces remaining, particular in recess on eagle. Reeded bone grip, split for its entire length on both sides but still tight. Scabbard with considerable silver plating remaining and no serious dents. An attractive eagle head sword with great history. Consigned directly to our firm from William T. Martin's descendants.