Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques - Angelfire · Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques ... The old...

25

Dave Taylor ’s Civ i l War Ant iques

#097) - Officer’s Eagle Head “Artillery” Sword 1820-1840 - A pretty bone handled sword with carved fluted grip and handsome cast brass American eagle pommel. Brass guard has 5-ball decoration, and ball decorations on the hilt. The old timer sword guys have referred to these swords with five balls as “artillery” models. That may well be the case but since half the eagle pommel swords we find have this 5-ball design I am personally dubious that they were all intended strictly for artillery. That would mean that the militia could take the field with hundreds of cannon but only a handful of intantry or mounted troops. In any event, it is a great early American Eagle-Head with 28 inch blade that is 1 1/8 inches wide. The blade was once blued with gold decorations, and now just has some faint gold remaining on the blade engraving. One chip broken off on the grip. The scabbard is missing the drag, but has a nice original throat. $625.00

#096) - Early 1800’s Eagle head Sword - 28 1/2 inch blade, leather scabbard w/ brass mounts and drag. Leather is in good solid condition just showing scuffing, brass is likewise in VG con-dition. The bone grip is done in a very nice checkered pattern, and the P shaped knucklebow and the guard once were silver plated. The blade has a cannon and arms decoration. $795.00

#095) - Eagle Head Sword and Scabbard - This is an early 1800’s eaglehead sword with carved bone grips, moderate P guard knucklebow and a repaired leather scabbard. The sword had poked through the tip of the scabbard at some point, and a new piece of leather has been attached there. The blade is 27.5 inches long, and has a deep single fuller. The scabbard is in good condition with original brass mounts except the drag. A very handsome and affordable piece of Americana.... $695.00

#094) - Model 1860 US Navy Enlisted Boarding Cutlass: A very fine example of the USN cutlass of the Civil War. Nicely marked with full Ames firm marking and 1862 date. The condition is very very good with superb basket guard without any bad dents or bends, just a couple tiny dings. Leather grip is excellent with only the lightest wear… Twisted wire removed as per USN directive. The scabbard is full length, solid, no breaks, no tears, and the seam is stitched instead of riveted. When inserted the blade has 1/4 inch that sticks out of the throat due to the slightest of shrinkage. The large brass finial for securing a frog is firmly in place on the face of the scabbard. Here is the interesting aspect to this cutlass. Note that the blade is signed and dated, but bears no federal inspectors marks. Note also that the scabbard is sewn instead of riveted. This is not one of the 1864 army pattern cutlasses, but it certainly is a distinct variant with the sewn sheath and un-inspected blade. Perhaps you know the reason… Revenue Cutter? Militia Purchase?

26


#098) - Identified & Soldier Carved Hall Percus-sion Carbine: When I found this at the Fort Myers Gun Show I got pretty excited. (I attend this tiny Florida show during the winter because it is a nice tax deductible break from the cold, and it’s one of the few show trips my wife likes to take.) The seller showed me the name carved on the bottom edge of the butt

stock “C. A. Blanchard” and said he had done a cursory check on the internet and found only one such soldier in a cavalry unit and that he was

listed in the 2nd Missouri Cavalry. I told him if I could verify that the regi-ment was indeed issued the Hall carbine I would take the gun. I then turned

on my lap top to see what I could learn. I indeed verified the only cavalryman during the CW named C A Blanchard served in the unit. And then I found a wonderful page showing a Don Troiani art rendering of a soldier in the 2nd Missouri Cavalry carrying the exact same model Hall carbine. I bought the Hall. The weapon is about NRA “very good” condition. The metal is delicately patinated to a gentle plum brown. There is no pitting except on the breech block where we always see it on specimens that saw service. The block bears the date 1849 as well as the S. North firm marking and US stamp. The previous owner related that the stock had been severely fractured near the lever when he found it and that he had a wood restorer fix the problem. This was done beautifully… virtually undetectable. The stock is deep walnut with expected handling age and wear. The action functions perfectly. Our soldier is Carl A. Blanchard 2nd Missouri Cavalry. This unit is known as Merrill’s Horse and was organized under authority of General Fremont. It defeated Porter’s men at Kirksville; took part in the battle of Silver creek, and, in connection with a detachment of the 9th Mo. militia, under Col. Guitar, completely annihilated Poindexter’s gang of guerrillas. Under an order of Gen. Thomas the 10th Mo. cavalry was consolidated with this regiment in June, 1865, and the regiment was mustered out on Sept. 19, 1865, at the close of four years’ arduous service. Finding any carved identified weapon is exciting, but finding one from Fremont’s western command and connected with Missouri history is a truly noteworthy event, and this is a real good one. Very rare, and historic …. $2,900.00

Superb Sword / Owner Killed Under Flag of Truce Delivering Message from Sherman to Wade Hampton! This Ames Foot officers sword was presented to Capt. Thos FitzGibbon 14th Michigan Vols. and bears a spectacular and lengthy engraved presentation inscription. The inscription reads “Presented To / Capt / Thos C Fitzgibbon / Comdg Emerald Rangers / 14th Mich. Infantry / by his friends & fellow / soldiers of Co. F 3rd Reg. / US Cavalry / As a To-ken of their / regard for him / as a soldier & a / Gentleman” This engraving covers the entire top mount. I have reams of paper records on Captain (later Major) Fitzgibbon. His service record is stellar, heroic, and tragic. He started his service commanding The Emerald Rangers which were Co. “B” 14th Michigan, a patriotic group of Irish Americans. Fitzgibbon enlisted in September of 1861 and served until his death at the hands of the rebs in 1865. His service records (included) are spectacular. The most important and historic chapter in his career is in the waning days of the Civil War. In the days immediately preceding the surrender of Confederate forces and per prior arrangement with the Confederate commander of Wheeler’s Picket post, Major Fitzgibbon was to deliver a communication from General Wm. T. Sherman for CS General Wade Hampton. Fitzgibbon had visited the rebel positions under flag of truce one day earlier and was instructed to return the next morning where he would be escorted to deliver Sherman’s message to Wheeler and thence to Hampton. While bringing this message under a flag of truce Fitzgibbon was fired upon by Confederate pickets and mortally wounded. Apparently not knowing the arrangement had been made the

vedettes fired upon and hit Fitzgibbon. CS General Wheeler was mortified and apologized for the terrible event and rushed Fitzgibbon under care of a Confederate Army Surgeon by rail to the Union Lines in Virginia. Tragically, Fitzgibbon did not survive. Even more tragic is the fact that the event took place just days before the end of the Civil War. This sword constitutes one of the most historic swords I have ever had the pleasure of owning. The sword is an extra fine example of the Ames regulation foot officer’s sword. The condition is stellar ranking a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. Fitzgibbon’s sword knot is still attached to the guard. The blade has nearly all the frosty luster and etched motifs. There is one small repair in the sheath which you would not notice if I did not mention it. Superb in all respects and truly historic. $11,500.00

#099) - Foot Officer’s Sword Presented to Capt. Thos FitzGibbon 14th Michigan Vols.

27


#100) - Extremely Fine Mexican War Presentation Sword of Colonel William B. Roberts 2nd Penna. Vols.: A very attractive Model 1840 staff officer’s sword of the pattern generally associated with Medical officers and Paymasters but this speci-men presented to an infantry officer and bears no departmental designation whatsoever. Beautifully engraved on the larger shield shaped languet is the following inscription: “Presented To Col. Wm. B. Roberts by his friends as a testimonial of their re-spect and confidence in his gallantry as a Soldier. Pittsburgh Jan. 7th 1847” Most interesting is an-other presentation on the smaller shield languet on the opposite side this being a posthumous presenta-tion from the widow Robertson to another Pitts-burgh officer. It reads “Presented by Mrs. Roberts to Lieut. Kane Dec. 17th 1847” The sword was presented to Roberts just days be-fore he left with his regiment for Mexico. In late 1846 Roberts and a large number of men from Fay-ette county enlisted for the war with Mexico. The Fayette company left on the 2nd of January 1847, for Pittsburgh where it was mustered into service on the 4th of the same month and designated Com-pany “H” of the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Roberts was immediately commis-sioned as Colonel of the regiment. He received this sword three days later. The Second Regiment proceeded by way of New Orleans to Mexico, and landed at Lobos Island, near Vera Cruz, which was invested by the Ameri-can forces and fleet. The regiment entered the city after its surrender, and moved thence to the inte-rior by way of Puebla and Perote, being assigned to Quitman’s division. During its term of service it took part in the engagements of Tobasco, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Cherubusco, San Pascual, and at the storming of the Belen Gate. After surviving numerous adventures on the battlefield Col Roberts took ill along with many dozens of others in the 2nd Regiment and he died of disease in the city of Mexico, on the 3rd of October, 1847. The command of the regiment was assumed by Lieutenant-Colonel John W Geary, afterwards Civil War General and Governor of Pennsylvania. The body of the dead colonel Roberts was embalmed, and with that of Lieutenant John Sturgeon of the Fayette County company, was sent back to Uniontown, where the remains were received with every demonstration of sorrow and respect. The funeral procession was escorted by the “Union Volunteers” and the “Fayette Cavalry”. The remains of Col Roberts were interred in the Methodist graveyard in the borough of Uniontown, and a neat marble monument was erected over his grave. In December of this same year (1847) the newly widowed Mrs. Colonel Roberts gave this same sword to Lieutenant James Kane (also shown as Kean) also of the 2nd Penn-sylvania Regiment. (The presentation inscription is described above. ) Kane served as Lt. Co. H 2nd PA Vol. Infantry enlisting on Dec. 20th 1846 at Pittsburgh at the age of 20. He was given a furlough from October 29th 1847, and was on recruiting duty from Dec 1847 through May 1848 in Pittsburgh when he received his late colonels beautiful sword as a gift from the widow. He mustered out with his company July 20th 1848. The condition of the sword is extremely fine with no damage nor defects. The blade is mostly shiny etched steel with vestiges of factory luster mixed with some darkening in recessed areas. The brass handle, guard, and scabbard are absolutely beautiful with a nice luster melded with gilt and a hint of patina. The handle is adorned with an early pattern eagle, oak leaves, and acanthus. The languets are adorned with laurel leaves and stars in addition to the engraved presentation inscriptions. The blade is profusely etched with all etching strong including a wonderful early pattern US eagle under patriotic ribbon. All detail is fine on the scabbard and mounts as well. While expensive Civil War presentation swords are relatively common, finding an example from the Mexican War is a truly memo-rable and rare event. Finding one that bears an additional posthumous re-presentation is unique in our experience. A wonderful battle weapon of The War with Mexico carried by two separate Pennsylvania officers. $9500.00

28


#101) - Colt Pistol that Marched to the Sea - Owned by “E.B. Benedict Lieut. & A.D.C.”

Colt Model 1849 pocket Pistol - Serial number 219153 (an 1862 production date) with an engraved backstrap, “E. B. Benedict Lieut & A.D.C.” Lt. Benedict, a member of the 145th New York Volunteer Infantry, was appointed, on January 15th 1863 as aide de camp to Brig. Gen. Nathaniel James Jackson. Who on August 25th of 1864, was ordered for duty in the 20th Corps of the Army commanded by Maj. Gen. Sherman and that he was soon thereafter assigned to command the 1st division of the 20th Corps during which time the said Army began marching from Atlanta to the sea, through Georgia, South Carolina and portions of North Carolina. During the entire campaign, General Jackson was accompanied by Lieut. Edward B. Benedict who was still on duty as the Aide de Camp. We have confirmed this information with sources from the National Archives. This gun has all matching serial numbers, a nice deep barrel firm stamping, and a clear Colts Patent and Serial # on the cylinder. The metal is a bit pitted and has a chocolate patina. The brass used to have a silver plating, but this is only visible on about 5% of the gun. Grips are in very good condition. $3600.00

#102) - Confederate Officer’s Colt Navy Revolver: This great old ’51 Navy is deeply incised on the bottom of the butt s t r a p

with the owner’s name “Hugh McGhee”. This was executed by the owner him-self in the coarsest and deepest of homemade “engraving”. A check of the Civil

War personnel archives shows only one man bearing this name. He is Con-federate officer Hugh McGhee of the CS War Dept. Mining and Nitre Di-vision. He is listed on the US National Park Service data page. (The civilwar data page does not have his record.) The Colt is NRA very good++ condition. All original all matching serial numbers 135460, mechanically perfect… very tight action, very nice looking with attractive light age patina and excellent grips. Barrel has hints of original blue in protected areas. Cylinder has 70% scene remaining. A real nice gun… This is about as

affordable a Confederate identified weapon as you are going to find. I bought it strictly as a gun, for the price of the gun, and it was me who dug out the background data on the inscribed name.

A real nice Colt that checks out as a real rebel carried sidearm … $2,950.00

29


This is a McKennie Charlottesville, Virginia officer’s sword and scabbard carried by Lieutenant Abner Newton Steele 11th Alabama Volunteers. He was Killed in Action in Frayser’s Farm June 30th 1862.

(Ask for description of Colt Army Revolver from the same family which I have here at my shop.) I purchased directly from the family in Tennessee in August 2009 this incredibly rare signed Confederate McK-ennie & Co. Charlottesville, Virginia foot officer’s sword and a Colt army revolver. I also obtained the US Army Shooting Awards, photos, and Spanish War relics owned by Charles Lee Steele 18th US Infantry 1875 to 1890. Copies will be supplied to the buyer of this sword. The sword is one of the few known signed and dated examples made by McKennie. It is believed that only 200 swords were produced by him and of those only a handful of marked examples are known. This is the best one known in terms of condition, completeness, and markings. When I purchased this in August we did not know which Confederate officer carried it. The family was under the impression that the sword and revolver belonged to their Gt. Grandfather Charles Lee Steele 18th United States Infantry, and USMA Class of 1875 from Mississippi. (He graduated 52nd in his class from West Point.) They believed this to be the case because they had a photo of Charles Lee Steele in his “Confederate” grey uni-form. This photo is actually his West Point graduation photo showing him in the USMA Grey Cadet’s Uniform. (A copy of this photo accompanies this sword.) I nicely informed them that the Civil War artifacts would have actually belonged to Charles’ father and asked what this man’s name was. The family did not know. After paying two professional genealogical researchers to try and uncover the family lineage and several weeks of waiting we were unsuccessful in determining the genealogy. I then imposed upon good friend and fellow collector Melanie Martin and asked if she would take a stab at it and she came through with flying colors and complete success. The father of Charles Lee Steele 18th US Infantry was Abner Newton Steele 11th Alabama Volunteers, born 1826, killed June 30th 1862 at the Battle of Frayser’s Farm Virginia. Full data will be supplied to the buyer. These pieces have never before been offered on the collector’s market. The condi-tion is truly superb being 100% original, 100% complete, and being in unaltered “as found” perfect condition. It is complete with the original brass mounted leather scab-bard in equally fine condition. The grip wrap and wire are perfect. The blade exhibits the standard unstopped fuller along with the small secondary fuller which runs the entire length of the blade. It is fine steel with no edge nicks and just a couple age stains. Beautifully inscribed down the spine of the blade is the engraved legend… “Manfd By McKennie & Co. Charlottesville, Va. 1862”. This signed blade is a significant rarity. Finding a signed McKennie is harder than winning the lottery. And this McKennie is the best surviving example of the handful of known signed specimens in terms of condition and completeness. Fellow collector, friend, and noted Confederate authority Fred Edmonds has researched the McKennie company for many years. He has spoken to descendants of Marcellus McKennie and knows more about the subject than any other collector. Fred believes that McKennie produced less than 200 swords in total before closing t h e operation in April 1862. In my lifetime this is only the second I have found. (The first was unsigned but inscribed by a Virginia officer in the Stonewall Brigade.) Of some note is that at the fall 2009 auction at James Julia’s in Maine, an unsigned, unattributed McKennie with an odd white grip brought over $16,000.00. And while that sword was desirable and rare it does not hold a candle to the one here offered. The condition and historical attribution on this McKennie is absolutely THE BEST. $19,500.00

#103) - 11Th Alabama Confederate Officer’s Sword Owner Killed In Action !!!

30


#104) - This is an amazing offering. two pistols and holsters that belonged to Lt. Col. Hugh McDowell McElrath CSA.

These are .54 caliber percussion guns. Barrels are 8.5” and both are stamped

on the left flat J.H., both lockplates stamped “U.S. H. Aston” and “Middletn, Conn 1850” in rear of lockplate. Handsome walnut stock and brass hardware, smooth bore and swivel ramrods. Brass buttplate, sideplate, trigger guards and barrel bands. These are about fine condition with smooth metal with sharp markings and excellent wood with great edges. The best part is that the backstraps are beautifully inscribed “Lt. Col. McElrath”. Included with these are the original pair of saddle holsters which have always been with them in solid condition but lacking the covers and connecting yoke. This pair of pistols surfaced at an auction many years ago and were purchased by

a prominent Dayton gun dealer who sold them to an Indiana dealer who in turn sold them to an Indiana collector, where they remained until recently. A couple years back the last

owner sold his collection at auction where I bought these pistols. This previous owner had thought the guns might have belonged to Major J E McElrath as that was the only name he could find in researchable library and archives records. In fact this man turns out to be the son of the actual owner. This was long before the presence of the internet and the wonderful data bases we have access to today. Prior to the auction I had researched these pistols. I knew who the owner was. They have been prominently displayed on my book

shelf in my office ever since. I am offering them for sale here with the accurate ownership properly attributed to them. In searching each and every officer in the

US and Confederate forces the ONLY officer whose name and rank matches the inscription is Lt. Col. Hugh MdDowell McElrath Confederate States Army... Born Sept 6th 1815 Died Oct 1st 1863 at Calhoun Tenn. Served as General Kirby Smith’s Quartermaster and also under General William R. Boggs. There are but two officer’s named McElrath in the CSA, only one is a Lieutenant Colo-nel. The other officer is this man’s son. Listed alternately as J E McElrath and I E McElrath 3rd Tenn. CSA Lt. Colonel McElrath is mentioned in the book The Military Reminiscences of General Wm. R. Boggs. And

in further researching on the internet “The Lincoln Log” (website) we find that McElrath’s wife was, petitioning Lincoln in 1864 to be able to return to her home in Knoxville. She is referred to as widow. Also of some note is the presence of an ink stamping found on the back of Confederate states currency which reads “Issued at Knoxville H McD McElrath MAJ and AQM Jun 5 1863” This too we found on internet searches. If you are interested in Tennes-see history, or inscribed Confederate handguns, these should light your fire in a big way. Superb condition, wonderfully inscribed, and dead real. $10,500.00

Pair of Inscribed M1842 Horse Pistols Carried by Tennessee Confederate Officer...

#105) - Tiffany Officer’s Spurs and Shoulder Straps Of Major Abram Hendricks USA: A superb pair of silver plated high grade CW officer’s spurs deeply stamped “TIFFANY NEW YORK” in tiny letters inside each spur. Each spur is heavily silver dipped and each has a rich silver black patina of the utmost appeal. The spurs have rowels with numerous long point-ed teeth and the necks are stepped or serrated. Also present is an extra set of rowels with finer teeth. I have never seen an extra set of rowels included with spurs previously. These extras are tied together with ancient twine. Also present is an extra fine matched pair of shoulder straps for the rank of Staff Major. The straps are excellent with dull and bright alternating bullion edges... rich major’s oak leaves ... and

perfect black wool centers. The backs of each strap is covered in lacquered paper. I obtained these items once removed from the family in an officer’s trunk that was painted with the name of Lieut Edw. W. Ross Battery B 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. The trunk contained Ross’ 2nd Lieutenant’s Shoulder Straps and commission. It also contained an infantry line officer’s frock coat, sash, and pair of infantry 2nd Lieutenant’s straps owned by unknown family member. Also inside were a pair of Tiffany New York signed spurs and a pair of Major of staff shoulder straps. Ross’ in law was Major Abram Hendricks US Army and the family from which this material came still retains Hendricks’ commission signed by President Lincoln. He is the only family member to hold so high a rank and who would have warranted a pair of Tiffany spurs. For this reason I am confident that these straps and spurs belonged to Major (later Colonel) Abram Hendricks USArmy.

If you collect high quality and superb condition these will suit you fine. $1 ,900.00

31


This wonderful and incredibly rare 1833 Dragoon Saber has resided in an old Wisconsin collection for many years and was purchased by Dave Taylor of Sylvania, Ohio in March 2008. It is truly unique in terms of its scabbard design…the only known specimen to have a brass trimmed steel scabbard.

It is ostensibly an officer’s pattern 1833 Dragoon Saber. The blade is the standard of-ficer’s model with acid etched designs and legend “United States Dragoons”. The condi-tion is stellar.

Most interesting is the scabbard. It is a standard enlisted steel scabbard complete with the proper inspectors’ marks. However, it is additionally decorated with an application of thin brass foil around the ring mounts and on the drag, thus giving the sheath the fancy officer’s appearance. The inspector who viewed this was Henry Knox Craig who worked 1835 through 1837.

The handle and guard are the standard enlisted pattern… plain brass (no gilt), and stan-dard leather covered grip with dragoon wire wrap. The enlisted guards are 1% longer than the officer’s gilt guards... and the washer-rivet securing the tang in the pommel is recessed 1/8” to allow for this 1% differential. The presence of the enlisted grip and guard allow for some interesting theories to present themselves.

Questions to ponder…….1. Was this a special production piece for an NCO in the 1st US Dragoons ?

This might explain the enlisted hilt and officer’s blade and fancified scabbard. A sword with enlisted and officer features.

2. Was this a special order for one specific officer?

This is also possible as the ordnance department did not purchase the officer’ swords. The officers ordered them individually and Ames is known to have produced special orders on other patterns of officer’s swords. Is it possible that this was a prototype ??? Did one worker in the Ames factory produce it on a whim ?

In any event this is arguably the rarest of the M1833 Dragoon Sabers extant. Price $24,000.00

#106) - Rare Ames 1833 Dragoon Saber

#107) - Identified Burnside Carbine Virginia Loudon County Rangers:

Very Good Burnside carbine bearing serial 10289 which shows up twice in the Springfield Arsenal Research Services

records as having been issued to the Loudon County Rangers in 1864 and 1865. The gun is a real nice example. 100% original and complete and me-chanically perfect. Metal is smooth steel with good markings and delicate age patina. The stock is likewise VG+ with good edges and great color. This just shows expected and honest age. No abuse. Lightly marked on the right side of the butt stock are the initials ABM. The Rangers consisted of two com-panies of disaffected Virginians, all of whom were recruited in the German settlements northwest of Leesburg. These were men loyal to the Union and who fought their fellow Virginians including battles with Mosby and other famed rebs. Company A, at the outset, was commanded by Captain Daniel M. Keyes, of Lovettsville, who later resigned on account of wounds received inaction. He was succeeded by Captain Samuel C. Means, of Waterford,Va. Company B’s commander was Captain James W. Grubb. The total enlistment of each company was 120 and 67, respectively. All the officers and pri-vates were of either German, Quaker, or Scotch Irish lineage, the first-named class predominating. On April 6th 1865 just days before the end of the war, Mosby and his men attacked and were victorious over “the rangers”… cleaning them out according to the period report. A fine historic arm with rich ties to Virginia. $2,750.00

32


Available for purchase is the following extraordinarily his-torical US Army officer’s sword. This incredible and rare weapon was used on the Wisconsin Territo-rial frontier and was carried by an army officer who personally staid off an Indian uprising at Fort Winnebago in 1837. It is likely unique in terms of being a documented weapon used in the Indian conflicts and military history of Wisconsin’s territorial period . I know of no other such documented weapons in public or private hands. This is a model 1832 Staff Officer’s sword manufactured and signed by renowned sword maker N.P. Ames of Spring field, Massachusetts. It is a rare item in its own right with very few specimens being made and far fewer surviving to the 21st century. It was made expressly for Major Waddy V. Cobbs United States Regular Army. The sword was carried by and is inscribed to Major W. V. Cobbs U.S.Army and has his name etched into the blade itself. This done by Ames at the time of manufacture. The sword is original and complete except for a replaced drag on the scabbard and a repair to the leather on the scabbard. The replaced drag is an original drag from an 1840 sword. This sword was owned by Major W.V Cobbs while he was comman-dant of Fort Winnebago in the Wisconsin Territory and where he was singularly responsible for thwarting an Indian Uprising between the Winnebago and Menomonee tribes in 1837.

Excerpts from the story of Cobbs and the uprising follows.$8,800.00

Army and Navy ChroniclePublished by Benjamin Homans, 1839Item notes: n.s.:v.8-9 (1839)Original from Harvard UniversityDigitized Nov 28, 2007

#108) - 1832 Staff Officer’s Sword inscribed to Major W. V. Cobbs U.S. Army

From the Boston Mercantile Journal.Domestic Intelligence.INDIANS ON THE FRONTIERAn occurrence took place near Fort Winnebago, in the Wisconsin territory, a short time since, which was near involving two power-ful tribes in an exterminating warfare, and will serve to illustrate some points in the Indian character. The lands of the Menominees adjoin those of the Winnebagoes, and these tribes have for years lived, not only in peace, but in bonds of friendship and intimacy with each other. It happened, early in May last, that a Menominee, in a drunken frolic, stabbed a Winnebago, and, what was considered extraordi-nary, was suffered to remain for some hours afterward in the Win-nebago camp, and departed without molestation. In the course of a week or two after this transaction, Yellow Thunder, a Winnebago chief of warlike character, called at Fort Winnebago, and, in an interview with Major W. V. Cobbs, who commanded that post, narrated the occurrence, and stated that he had been selected by his people to avenge the murder. He had accordingly taken with him a

band of warriors, and it was his intention to carry death and deso-lation into the Menominee country. His plans appeared to be formed with judgment and skill. The Menominees, at that time, resided in several villages, at some distance from each other, and the design of Yellow Thunder was to fall upon the unsuspecting Menominees in each village successively, cut them off in detail, and thus exterminate this powerful and warlike tribe. Major Cobbs, who, by long and familiar intercourse with the Indians, was well acquainted with their character, took prompt and decided, yet prudent, measures for preventing this sanguinary design of Yellow Thunder from being carried into effect. He had a long talk with him, attempted to show him not only the impropriety and in-justice of such a proceeding, but its impolicy, and expatiated on the evil consequences to his people which would result from open hos-tilities with the whites, which must inevitably be the case provided his intentions were carried into effect. At length he so far prevailed upon Yellow Thunder as to induce him to postpone the execution of his projects of revenge, until attempts to settle it by other means had failed. He immediately sent an express to the head chief of the Menominees, who was then sixty miles off, informing him of the oc-currence, and requesting his presence immediately at the fort. And, in a few days, the Menominee chief appeared at Fort Winnebago, accompanied by sixty-five chiefs and principal warriors of his nation, completely armed, and encamped near the Winnebagoes under the guns of the fort. Major Cobbs assured both parties that, if either band commenced hostilities, he should open his batteries upon the aggressors without ceremony, and set himself to work in good earnest to heal the dif-ficulties between them. He was at that time suffering from severe in-disposition, but he was so fully aware of the importance of adopting prompt and decided measures, if he would prevent a sanguinary war, that he caused himself to be carried to the place of council, between the two encampments, where he conferred with the chiefs, some-times with one, sometimes with both together, for several days, using all his powers to induce the tribes to bury the tomahawk........... .... .... ... When the Major had finished his remarks, the chief of the Menominees arose and made a speech, in which he deeply regretted the difficulty which had taken place, and avowed his sincere desire for peace ; and concluded by ordering presents, consisting of strings of wampum, furs, etc., to be brought forward, to the value of two or three hundred dollars, which he offered to the Winnebagoes as a peace offering. A silence now ensued for a few moments, when the desolate widow arose from her recumbent posture, and with a firm step walked up to the warrior who had killed her husband, and who was standing near the principal chief, with a forgiving smile she ten-dered him her hand, which he took and shook heartily ; at the same instant the head chiefs advanced toward each other and shook hands, and the whole of the Winnebagoes and Menominees mingled with each other, renewing their former intercourse, and exchanging con-gratulations on the peaceful termination of an affair which, at one time, threatened the most sanguinary results. The pipe of peace was then smoked, and the tomahawk buried with the usual ceremony. The commanding officer of the post then retired within the fort, much pleased with the successful result of his attempt at pacification.

33


#109) - Johnson model 1836 single shot con-version pistol - This US Model 1836 was converted to per-

cussion from the original flintlock. This gun is marked on the lock “US/R. JOHNSON/MIDDn CONN/ 1838” and has been converted to percussion with

a french style nipple in barrel. The breech has the markings “JH/P” and I can still make out an oval from a cartouche on the wood. The mainspring is a bit weak, but fully functioning. The wood is solid VG condition, with some areas near the breech that are a bit worn from use. A solid functioning conversion priced friendly $675.00

#110) - Model 1816 Flintlock Pistol / percussion conversion -This gun has a 9 1/16 inch barrel, with the brass blade sight built into the double barrel band. Overall very good condition but no markings visible except for a US on the barrel. The conversion is of the french

style with the cone installed directly into the barrel. All the steel is light brown patina, the stock is very handsome and very fine except for a tiny spot of wood filler present on the back side near the escutcheon plate. On the breech, “US” is still visible. The ramrod is ancient but likely a replacement. Overall VG. $795.00

#111) - Superb CW Officer’s Sword / Brass Guard Peterson 75 / Minty Blade: Here is a darn rare sword. It is the Peterson figure 75 with the brass guard and brass mounted steel scabbard. While the iron guard and plain steel examples are quite common these examples with brass furniture are quite rare. The condition is excellent. The blade retains 95% mint, frosty, factory luster with rich etched eagle, US, and floral sprays. The blade is nearly new, and is signed with Clauberg Solingen maker’s logo. The brass mounted steel scabbard is likewise fine with just one small dent. Interestingly, the brass snap-clips from the officer’s sword belt are still attached to the rings on the scabbard. There is a slight bend in the quillon otherwise near perfect. A truly excellent example with stellar blade. $2,200.00

34


#112) - Wonderful 1830s Complete Rig of Sword Belt, Sword, and Shoul-

der Belt ex Guthman collection: About as cool an item as you could hope

to find. This is “as found”. The belt and support strap are very strong leather with

enamel painted buff color finish. The buckle is one of the extra attractive square stamped brass buckles with early federal eagle with flags and cannons and

stars. These are among the most attractive of all US belt buckles. The support belt match-es the sword belt and it has a plain oval gilt brass cross-belt plate on it. The sword and scabbard are a classic 1820s-1830s era simple brass P-Guard militia sword with plain curved blade and brass mounted leather scabbard. This rig is in superb condition and totally complete except for the drag on the scabbard being gone. This rig is about 200 times cooler and more interesting than a common Civil War cavalry saber and belt. It is 175 years old, in superb condition, and yet it is priced far lower than a comparable war-surplus Civil War sword and belt would cost. This was owned by our late friend Bill Guthman who many of you knew and will remember fondly. Priced darn friendly at $1,950.00

#113) - Extra Fine Long Barrel Whit-ney Pocket Revolver - This has a serial num-ber in the 23,000 range produced in the early 1860’s. The has extra Fine walnut grips, a 6 inch octagonal barrel with clear markings and remnants of good blue. The cylinder scene is likewise extra Fine condition with an eagle, lion, and shield with “Whit-neyville” on it, and a naval scene. These scenes were never very deep, so are usually gone.. this one is really nice and very legible. There is good factory blue in the protected areas, and a touch of case color on the trigger. Really a fine gun overall. One of the best Whitney pocket revolvers I’ve owned... A really good one.... $1350.00

#114) - Limber Chest. Call for details about this rare and unique piece of history. $2850.00

35


#115) - Starr Cavalry Carbine: A very solid example of the Starr--- famed because it outperformed its more famous cousin the Sharps in government trials. This one is 100% original, 100% complete, and mechanically perfect. Steel surfaces are steel grey mixed with some shiny steel on the frame and lever. All the metal markings are crisp. The wood is fine++ with great edges, grain, and color. No stock cartouche. It has an excellent bore. The serial number is 9284. Much better than most we see… $1,495.00

#116) - Mexican War Jenks Carbine: This one is even nicer than the one listed earlier in the catalog. Overall NRA near “fine” condition. This is 100% original, to-tally complete, mechanically perfect, and very attractive. The barrel has a delicate plum brown patina mixed with thin traces of original lacquer brown finish. The stock is superb with attractive color and grain. The car-touche is visible but slightly worn. The brass has the ultra appealing yellow-ochre patina that takes years to acquire. Lock is signed N P Ames Springfield Mass. Barrel is marked USN RC P 1846 and W Jenks. Here is one heck of a deal on a Jenks… $2195.00

#117) - First Model Merrill Saddle Ring Carbine: These early Merrill’s are quite famous having been purchased and used by many Vir-ginia Cavalry units immediately before the war. This one is NRA “very good” condi-tion. Totally original, complete, and genuine in all respects. The steel is gun metal color with crisp markings and showing light handling wear. The bore is VG to fine. The stock is VG with great color and grain, light wear to the edges. Part of the car-touche can be seen under the ring-bar mixed with some dings from the ring. There is a well done repair to a crack at the wrist… visible but you have to look hard. Serial number is 5540. This is the first model Merrill with the brass patch box and early style lever catch. Patch box has faint initials ET scratched on. These early Merrill’s are get-ting quite hard to find in decent shape. $1750.00

36


#118) - Attic Brown M-1816 Socket Bayonet: This is the bayonet used for decades on the Model 1816 muskets which saw service for most of the first half of the 19th century, These were used from the 1820s, through the Alamo era, through the Civil War. Of some note is that the M1816 musket was so over stocked in US armories that thousands of them were given by the govern-ment to GAR posts across America after the Civil War. This one is VG condition with attic rust brown patina mixed with some light pitting. The ricasso stampings appear to be US over TA over L. The “S” is very faint. A nice plum brown example. $135.00 #119) - Model 1816 Socket Bayonet: Fine to excellent condition. Bright Steel, no rust, no pitting. One of the better examples I have owned. Top notch… US marked $175.00 #120) - Model 1816 Socket Bayonet: About fine condition. Bright Steel, no rust, no pitting. A very nice example. US marked $150.00 #121) - Model 1816 Socket Bayonet: Very Good condition. Grey steel with area of light pitting. A good solid example. US marked $125.00

Ordering Information - Please Read

GuaranteeAll of the material here offered is absolutely and unequivocally guaranteed to be original and as described. it is further guar-anteed to be to your personal satisfaction! You may return any item for any reason for a prompt and courteous refund. Simply

return the item within 3 days of receipt in the same condition in which it was sent, and the purchase price will be quickly refunded. That’s about as simple, honest, and fair as I can make it. The only thing I won’t accept as a return is material that

you have cleaned, fixed, or otherwise “Improved” after you receive it. Fair enough?

Payment and Shipping Information

Ohio residents must add sales tax in the amount due in your county of residence. We need a physical street address for UPS delivery. Shipping costs are not included in the price of the item(s) so you must include extra for this.. $12.00 minimum on

small packages under 2 lbs. in weight, $16 for medium size packages, $30.00 for swords, $45.00 for muskets and $40.00 for carbines. Expensive items may incur additional fees to cover insurance which is billed at 1$ per hundred. As an example, a $1500 saber would cost $30 for shipping, plus $15 for insurance, for a grand total of $1545.00 to get you the saber. You can

send a check, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks delay the shipping of your order by a few days while we wait for the check to clear the bank. If you are already known to us we can arrange credit card payments from you. We are charged a 4% transaction fee on all credit orders, so we pass that 4% on to you. We do not accept credit card telephone orders from first

time buyers.

Please allow 2 or 3 weeks for delivery. Shipping your order takes time and care. It requires between 10 and 45 minutes to process each of your orders, and we’ll spend over 100 hours just packing and shipping those orders that are received in the first

two weeks following the issuance of this catalog.

We appreciate your patience.

How to Receive This Catalog

The subscription rate for these catalogs is $25.00 to receive the next 3 issues. This catalog is sent free of charge to regular cus-tomers and if you order something from this catalog, you will receive the next issue at no charge.

If this catalog or the envelope that it came in are marked with a subscription renewal notice, it is time for you to either renew your subscription or make a new purchase.

All Correspondence MUST be sent to:Dave Taylor

Civil War AntiquesPO Box 87

Sylvania, Ohio 43560Phone (419) 842-1863 weekdays

(419) 882-5547 evenings

E-Mail - [email protected]

Our Websitewww.civilwarantique.com

(note the word antique is singular)

Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques - Angelfire · Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques ... The old...

Documents

Transcript of Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques - Angelfire · Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques ... The old...