"Geo. W. Kennedy from A. P. Hill Gen. C. S. A." is the Civil War Period Engraved Presentation of the Top of the Barrel of this...

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Sold on Jun 29, 2008 for:

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"Geo. W. Kennedy from A. P. Hill Gen. C. S. A." is the Civil War Period Engraved Presentation of the Top of the Barrel of this US M1861 Springfield .58 Caliber Percussion Musket, Dated 1861. The well-worn inscription extends from the the rear barrel band to the rear sight. Al metal smooth with a very nice untouched patina. Lock markings crisp, barrel date and proofs very weak, actually shows signs that for many years, long ago, it was carefully maintained by hand cleaning, resulting in the wear to the barrel markings and inscription. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore. The wood is very sharp with rich untouched patina. The correct ESA inspector's cartouche weak but legible. There is a very old wood pin repair to a break at the wrist, which actually extends onto the comb of the stock. Actually appears that the gun may have been intentionally broken, and possibly relates to the reason for its presentation. The gun displays two interesting anomalies that attest to its Confederate association and use. The trigger guard bow is reversed, placing the sling swivel at the rear, a trick oft used by Confederate soldiers to facilitate carrying the rifle slinged with the muzzle down, to protect it in the rain. Additionally, the gun retains a British M1853 Enfield triangular socket bayonet that fits perfectly and, based on the patina pattern, has clearly always been with it.

Cursory research reveals that George W. Kennedy enlisted in Company "G," 52d Virginia Infantry on August 2, 1861. Kennedy was wounded at Port Republic, Virginia on June 9, 1862, being struck by a musket ball, which entered his cheek under the left resulting in the loss of the eye. He resurfaced on February 15, 1863, enlisting in Company "C," 39th Battalion Virginia Cavalry (Richardson's Battalion of Scouts, Guides and Couriers, 13th Battalion Virginia Cavalry). Doubtless serving through the Gettysburg campaign, he is recorded as being detailed on December 8, 1864 as a courier for Confederate General Jubal A. Early.

Lieutenant General Ambrose Powell Hill was a native Virginian, graduating from West Point in 1847. Originally assigned to command of the 13th Virginia Infantry at the beginning of the war, Hill was advanced to brigadier general on February 26, 1862 and, for his gallant conduct at the Battle of Williamsburg, major general on May 26, 1862. He ably commanded his division through the fierce fighting of late 1862 and early 1863. Subsequent to the death of Jackson, hill was promoted to lieutenant general on May 25, 1863, and assumed command of the Third army Corps, which he directed at Gettysburg and the subsequent Virginia campaigns. It is certainly reasonable to assume that the paths of Hill and Kennedy could easily have crossed, especially during Kennedy's service as a scout and courier. An historically important Civil War artifact, exuding an air of intriguing mystery, that could doubtless be resolved with dedicated and diligent research.

Auction Info

2008 June Signature Civil War Auction #6002 (go to Auction Home page)

Auction Dates

June, 2008

29th-30th Sunday-Monday

Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2

Lot Tracking Activity: N/A

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19.5% of the successful bid per lot.

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Sold on Jun 29, 2008 for: $8,962.50

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