November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Lot consists of: (A) A Roman style, and copy of the Northern 1832 Artillery Short Sword, Confederate CS quillon foot artillery short sword complete with its leather scabbard. The sword measures 24 – 1/8” overall with a 18 – 5/8” blade which is double edged, unfullered, and terminates with a spearpoint. The hilt features a concentric grip, crudely cast and adorned with simulated scales, resembling its northern counterpart. Pronounced ovular pommel with small cap. The crossguard terminates on each side with circular quillons that contain the letters “C” and “S”. The hilt is unriveted with bold "C & S" castings. Confederate short swords of this style are often attributed to Leech and Rigdon, but a similar example that was produced by Burger & Bros. can be found on page 155 of “Collecting the Confederacy” by Pritchard. Burger & Bros. was a Richmond based company that produced Confederate edged weapons between December 1861-October 1862. The sword is complete with its leather scabbard that features sheet iron mounts. Upper mount accommodates a globous stud. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a heavy patina with scattered edge wear. Blade was crudely crafted and is slightly uneven. The hilt exhibits a pleasing patina with dark age spots and wear from handing. The scabbard remains firm with tight seam and surface cracking throughout its length. There are 2 small holes on the reverse side which appear to have been caused by a tack mounting. Mounts are rudimentary but remain secured to the scabbard body. Upper mount exhibits traces of gold paint. This sword was sold at Morphy Auctions as lot 754 in the July 24-25, 2015 Premier Firearms Sale. (B) Model 1832 Artillery Short Sword in the standard M1832 configuration, but has suffered heavy damage. The brass hilt is missing both quillons and 1 side appears to have been splayed. The hilt seems to have suffered from fire damage with the pommel and guard appearing to have melted in opposite directions. Interestingly, there is a significant strike on the reverse crossguard. Blade markings are present, but illegible, as it is possible to identify a portion of the eagle and the “AMES / SPRINGFIELD” portion of the maker mark, as the rest is obscured by the heavy patina. A rough but puzzling example of an 1832 short sword, as it can only be speculated as to what caused the damage, whether it was battle, fire, or some combination of factors. CONDITION: Relic. These swords were displayed in the Hartzler Collection with a copy of a Danner Museum label in which they were labeled “ARTILLERY SWORDS MET AT GETTYSBURG / JULY 3, 1863 / across the Emmitsburg Road / C.S. 160 cannon U.S. 100 cannon”.
Blade Length
(A) 18 - 5/8" (B) 18 - 3/4"
Overall Length
(A) 24 - 1/8" (B) 24"
Paperwork
Folder with copy of Museum Card.