LOT #57212 |
Sold on Jun 25, 2009 for: Not Sold
W. J. McElroy, Macon, Ga. Confederate Foot Officer's Sword Inscribed in the Blade to Lieut. F. W. Johnson of the Lamar Infantr... (Total: 2 Items)
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Description
W. J. McElroy, Macon, Ga. Confederate Foot Officer's Sword Inscribed in the Blade to Lieut. F. W. Johnson of the Lamar Infantry. For visual input, with respect to patination, blade etch, and historic significance this is certainly one of the most appealing identified Confederate swords we've ever catalogued. The Lamar Infantry was a Georgia militia organization that was subsequently designated Co. A of Cobb's Legion. F. W. Johnson was elected 1st lieutenant of Co. C 1st Georgia Independent Battalion State Troops on October 17, 1861, mustering out at Camp Lee near Savannah on May 2, 1862. He was subsequently elected 1st Lt. of Co. K 59th Georgia Inf. on May 15, 1862 and promoted to Captain on June 16. He was then cashiered on Sept. 16, 1862 and next appears on a roll of Confederate deserters in April 1865 with the remark "Desires to go north", his whereabouts and activities in the intervening years unknown. What could certainly be referred to as a checkered past.The sword has a 30" blade, the tip slightly rounded, with a phenomenal deep crisp etch for 2/3 its length. The obverse displays the firm name "W. J. McElroy & Co./Macon, Geo." at the base, with leaf and vine motifs, and a block CS as the central motif, all of which is surrounded by interlocking scrolls. The reverse displays a central panel with "Lieut. F. W. Johnson Lamar Infantry" in old English script, flanked by leaf, vine and flower motifs, the whole of which is surrounded by the same interlocking scrolls. Blade with a superb dark gray smooth patina, just some very minor salt and peppering at the tip else perfect. Retains the original leather washer. The hilt is the rather scarce form that utilizes a V between the outward branch and the guard, identical to FIG 23-D in Albaugh's Photo Supplement, and exhibits what is probably the most appealing chocolate brown patina we've ever seen on a Confederate sword. The polished wood grip has one small chip at the base and a deep rich patina with all of the original twisted brass wire. The back stitched scabbard, although unique in our experience with McElroys, is clearly Confederate, fits perfectly and has doubtless been with the sword since the war. The plain sheet brass mounts were pinned in place as is often seen on McElroys. The bottom mount, which is missing was held in place with a diagonal row of four pins. The seam is open and the scabbard is flaked, otherwise intact, with an old museum accession number painted on the top mount. A really wonderful. superbly identified, Confederate sword.
Auction Info
2009 June Signature Civil War Auction #6024 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2009
25th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 10,680
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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