December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
Lot consists of a Cook & Brothers Confederate Sword Bayonet with scabbard and a Cook & Brothers sword bayonet adapter for an 1841-type rifle. Both pieces were separate items formerly in the noted collection of Ben Michel. Our consignor purchased both in the 2007 Michel auction and has placed them together for display. (A) Bayonet is serial numbered 1311 on the obverse guard. It is thus an early product of the company's operations at Athens, GA. Only the first few hundred produced there were numbered and the numbers used started in sequence shortly before that to account for 1,000 to 1,200 rifles made previously at New Orleans. Blade is 21 - 1/2 inches with triangular mortise for bayonet lug. Blade has heavy yataghan curve, good point, minor edge nicks six inches from tipe and small chip eight inches from guard. One ding to back edge of blade eight inches from guard. Blade metal is generally smooth, dark with gray mixed with brown. Scabbard is black leather with wire fastened brass mounts. Scabbard is sewn along lower edge of back. Drag is missing wire, glued in place. Upper mount has slotted bar. Wire missing obverse upper mount. Present on reverse. (B) Non-dug adapter is made in Athens as well with triangular lug. Serial number "66" stamped on flat of lug. Iron tightening screw in place, but frozen. Ben Michel's notes stated the adapter was more heavily made than most and was for an 1841 type rifle. CONDITION: Both pieces in very good condition and exceedingly scarce with an impeccable provenance. (SR)