Weapons
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Confederate Kenansville Cavalry Saber - Model III - Rounded Top Blade Spine
Price $5800
This saber is a fine example of an edged weapon manufactured at the famed Kenansville NC sword manufactory and was one of the most well made weapons from Louis Freolich and his business, Confederate States Arms Factory.
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The blade exhibits a nice gray aged appearance and does not show any nicks or sharpening along the cutting edge. There is a single unstopped fuller with the original leather washer fastened in place.
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The scabbard is constructed of lap-seamed sheet iron with brass sword mounts and iron rings and brass throat, the drag is iron and shows evidence of real outdoor use. Overall the scabbard is solid.
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Some of the Freolich scabbards were painted black or red then lacquered. There is considerable evidence of a reddish hue on both sides of this scabbard as well on the bottom of each brass attached mount. The scabbard has an aged consistent color. There are three shallow dents in the scabbard on near opposite side positions, probably incurred during war time use. But the sword can be withdrawn and returned with no problems.
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As with many of Freolich swords there is a set of mating Roman numeral assembly bench marks with the scabbard marked XXII on the throat and the saber brass quillon edge marked XXXIII . Often this two numbers do not match because the throats were made and riveted in place separately.
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The brass two branched hilt and its quillon shows evidence of typical casting flaws but remain in strong condition. The Phrygian Helmet style pommel cap is well attached with a peen.
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The leather cover on the wooden grip is complete and in good condition with the original untwisted plain copper wire filling the ten grip furrows. Overall a very fine example of a Civil War Freolich cavalry saber.
Remnants of red paint shown on the underside of each brass mounts of the scabbard. See both photos to the left.
Large Kraft Goldschimdt and Kraft (K.G. & K.) Cavalry Saber
Type used by Gen. Wade Hampton Legion From Columbia SC
Price $3800 ON-HOLD
A Double Branch M-1860 Guard Variety w Triple Blade Fullers on hind section and marked by vendor “Schimmelbusch”
Obverse blade has a Liberty Cap on a Pole between Flags over Crossed Cannons and the Spanish inscription:
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"NO ME SAQUES SIN RAZON/NO ME ENBAYNES SIN HONOR"
“Draw me not without reason. Sheath me not without honor”
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Reverse Side is marked with Floral designs, another Liberty Cap on Pole, and Flags motif and "Solingen" above the ricasso
Total length = 42 Inches / Blade 36.5 Inches
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No Laurel décor on Pommel Cap or Brass Ferrule on Handle as seen on the Triple Branch K.G. & K. Type Swords – Metal Scabbard is lost.
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Instead of the standard officer's sword or a traditional cavalry sword General Hampton preferred a Prussian style double edged long straight sword. He purchased many swords for the 4 companies of his cavalry legion from his personal fortune. Per a James Julia auction description from April 2017 for a Triple Branch KGK Sword, "This sword is found in two distinctive hilt patterns, one being US like (Model 1860) and the second, like our example here (triple branch), is the most desirable with Confederate massive "Prussian Style" hilt with overlapping decorated branches." Model 1860 cavalry swords are two branch style.
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Early in 1861 Peter W. Kraft, a gunsmith, and his brother H.F. Kraft, a jeweler (both of Columbia SC) joined in forces to form the sword making firm of Kraft, Goldschmidt & Kraft with employee Major Maurice Goldschmidt. The result was some of the finest swords and sabers made in the south. All types and designs were made. At some point K.G. & K. must have located a number of Napoleonic war blades (French, Spanish and German).
These long straight double-edged weapons were re-hilted in the firm’s own distinctive style – Triple and Double branch type guards.
At least three of the three branch swords were associated with General Wade Hampton. One he carried himself and the other two he presented to Generals M.C. Butler and Bradley T. Johnston. Some minor loss of leather grip mostly intact with double twist brass wire. A very scarce Confederate – South Carolina Cavalry Sword.
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Gen. Hampton's sword shown to the right
Solingen marked riccaso shown in left photo
Blade maker "Schimmelbusch" (showing vertically) on ricasso and Spanish motto shown on lower and upper fullers in the above photo.
"NO ME SAQUES SIN RAZON/NO ME ENBAYNES SIN HONOR" in upper and lower blade fullers.
Example of a two branch KGK cavalry sword shown in image above of a SC cavalryman.
1864 Dated Civil War Navy / Admiral Dahlgren Bayonet / Bowie Fighting Knife Price $3400
Now $3000
The USN Bowie Bayonet was designed by and named after Admiral John A Dahlgren for the Model 1861 “Plymouth” Whitneyville Rifle. The Whitney "Plymouth" rifle, named after the U.S.S. PLYMOUTH - a naval ordnance testing ship which had been built under Dahlgren's supervision, has the distinction of being the only U.S. contract arm to be originally rifled in .69 caliber.
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Admiral Dahlgren was also Involved in the design of several Naval weapons including the rifle, bowie bayonet, ships and cannons.
The knife has a 12" blade with a brass bound walnut handle and a heavy brass guard, total Length is 17". The scabbard is black leather with brass tip and throat.
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Only about 1800 knives were made by the Ames Manufacturing Company from 1861-1864. This knife is in extra fine condition.
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The obverse ricasso is marked U.S.N. / D.R. / 1864 with the DR being the mark of US Navy inspector Daniel Reynolds. There is also a second US Navy reinspection marks of an {ANCHOR} over GG and a “P”(proof), the mark of US Navy Commander and Ordnance Inspector Guert Gansevroot who was stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The brass pommel cap also has the script DR cartouche.
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The reverse ricasso marked with the maker’s mark AMES MFG Co / CHICOPEE / MASS. The knife bayonet is housed in its original leather scabbard with pinned brass upper and lower mounts with great patina and complete leather cover stitching. The blade is clean / no corrosion and has not been sharpened - no nicks - nice brass patina. A great example of this fighting knife / bayonet.
Bayonet is double inspected - see above photos
Heavy Confederate D-Guard Bowie Knife Found in Corinth Mississippi Price $3500
This is an excellent example of a well made Confederate clip point D-Guard Fighting Knife - 1 LBS 11oz weight - 14 1/2 inch heavy blade and 19 3/8inch overall length. The single edge blade and knife are blacksmith made. This massive knife came from an advanced collector in Miss. It has an iron guard and ferrule, wood handle, iron blade and good point. The knife blade is still sharp and has not been resharpened in modern times. This piece is solid and has a nice aged patina. Formerly from R. Ballard Collection. A great collector's piece.
Very Fine Boyle Gamble & MacFee Richmond VA Heavy Short Artillery Sword Price 3400 Now $3200​
Overall 24”, 18.5”Unmarked Blade w 8” Center Fuller. No edge nicks and sharpening or cleaning to blade!
Heavy ringed solid handle w beautiful patina - Handle and blade are tight. Sword has original point. Blade has aged mottled surface.
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Cross bar of handle has finely scratched by hand soldier's initials "W G". Sword weighs 2 Lbs 14 Oz
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A very nice example of a Confederate short artillery sword.
Letters "W G" lightly scratched onto the crossbar photo to the right - probably a soldier initials.
Scarce Early Series II - 31 Cal. Factory Engraved Mahattan Revolver w 6" Barrel & 6 Shot Cylinder - Mfg'd Circa 1860 - S/N 981 w Holster Price $3000 Now $2500
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Manhattan Fire Arms Co. was founded in 1856 specifically to capitalize on the soon to be expiring Colt patents in 1857. This strategy worked very well for the company and they began by making high quality and very close copies of both Colts and other popular pistols with expired patents. These revolvers greatly resemble the Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. The Manhattan’s copies of Colts were so close that Colt tried to kill their production with a lawsuit, even though their patent had expired. The 31 cal. Series I revolvers were made with only 5 shot cylinders (~900 - 1000 guns) while Series II revolvers all had 6 shot cylinders. Series II guns started production by late January 1860 in Newark NJ. The 31 cal. revolvers are characterized by: 1. Six-shot cylinder with twelve cylinder stops. 2. Blade-type front sight of German silver; rear sight a V-notch filed in top of hammer 3. Enlarged trigger guard 4. Larger size grips 5. One-line New York address on barrel 6. Patent date stamping (Dec. 27, 1859) located on bottom of frame, forward of trigger-guard. 7. Unique side frame plate to allow easy access maintenance. Approximately 3600 - 3800 Series II 31 cal. guns were made totally by Manhattan Fire Arms of the 4,5, 6 inch barrel lengths. It is not known how 31 cal. revolvers were produced in each barel length, but the 6 inch variety may the scarcest. No additional 31 cal. series were created as opposed to the 36 cal. revolver that went up to 5 series of modifications.
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Manhattan’s revolvers were very well received by the public. The company never received U.S. military contracts except a few orders at the regimental level. Nevertheless many Manhattan revolvers found themselves on Civil War battlefields, purchased privately by officers and soldiers.
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This revolver is in strong condition for being used with a well engraved frame / backstrap and stage coach robbery scene engraved on the cylinder, has a nice aged patina, good action, a clean varnished grips, all marching S/N's, patent date on lower frame, strong one line maker stamp on barrel (MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS MF'G CO NEW YORK), good screws. It comes with a period black leather holster that has about 1 inch length cut off at the bottom. Gun fits well in holster. Great example of a scarce Civil War gun - one is shown in the book "The Fighting Men of the Civil War" by Wm Davis.
Image below shows a Manhattan revolver from the book "The Fighting Men of the Civil War" by Wm Davis.
Engraved Stage Coach scene shown on 31 cal. Manhattan revolver cylinders left
Pomeroy M-1816 Militia Marked Musket for State of New York Troops (SNY) Dated 1821 - Contract Conversion to Percussion w Bayonet Price $1900
Now $1600
.69 caliber, 42 in. smoothbore barrel with eagle head / P/ V marks plus inspector's initials SJ (Seth James) at breech, S.N.Y. 1821 (date inverted) to left of percussion cap nipple, walnut stock with iron mounts, the lock plate having an eagle over L. POMEROY before the hammer and 1821/US to the rear; sling swivels present - comes with proper bayonet marked US/TA included. In November of 1809, New York contracted with Pomeroy to make 1,000 flintlock muskets. Crisp barrel markings overall.
Working action - light oxidation to metal - good finish to stock with expected signs of use but no major wood problems. A fine condition gun - rare with the New York marking when it was purchased as a flintlock for a state militia.
The Model 1816 flintlock musket was the primary arm of U.S. infantrymen from 1816 until 1840. Most cone and bolster-type alterations to percussion were performed by private contractors from the mid-1850's until the early years of the Civil War, and many of the converted flintlocks were used during the war by Union, Confederate, and state forces.
Union soldier holding a cone converted M-1816 musket
MILITIA Marked "NEW HAMPSHIRE" A. WATERS U. S. MODEL 1816 TYPE 3 CONE CONVERSION PERCUSSION MUSKET Dated 1836 $1900
Now $1600
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.69 caliber, 42 in. round barrel marked at breech with US/J(weak)M//P and NEW HAMPSHIRE, dated 1836 on barrel tang; the lock plate marked US / A WATERS before hammer and MILLBURY/1836 behind the hammer; walnut stock with iron mounts, the trigger guard marked "S" and the butt plate's tang marked "US" - an oval inspector's cartouche with two indistinct letters is behind the side plate. Stock is in very strong appealing condition, has nearly all the original finish and no major wood stock problems. Very good bore. Original threaded ramrod.
Working action but hammer somewhat tight - overall a pleasing musket throughout - normal minor marks throughout as expected from age and usage. Really nice example and rare with the New Hampshire marking when it was purchased as a flintlock for a state militia.
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The Model 1816 flintlock musket was the primary arm of U.S. infantrymen from 1816 until 1840. Most cone and bolster-type alterations to percussion were performed by private contractors from the mid-1850's until the early years of the Civil War, and many of the converted flintlocks were used during the war by Union, Confederate and state forces.
Left - Union soldier holding a M-1816 cone converted musket
Confederate Purchased / Attic Condition 1863 Dated P-53 Tower Enfield Rifled Musket Marked “C. Reeves” on Stock End w Sinclair Hamilton Inspection Markings Price $3800 ​SOLD
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This rifled three band musket bears the mark of one of a large suppler of arms during the Civil War - Birmingham Small Arms Trade Company of which supplier C. Reeves is stamped on one side of the rifle butt. On top of the butt end - in front of the butt plate tang is the Sinclair Hamilton inspection mark "Crown/SH/G1". In addition, there is an oval cartouche with unreadable letters on the wood opposite from the lock plate side. During 1861 and 1862, Caleb Huse managed to purchase 81,049 Enfields. General Gorgas, who was chief of the Confederate States Ordnance, reported on February 3, 1863 that by this point in the war Major Huse had shipped to the confederacy 70,980 Long Enfield rifles.
​This 1863 dated Enfield is in very fine, 100% original condition and is very well marked as shown in the photos. Strong hammer cocking action, handsome varnished walnut wood with no loss - only minor usage marks, solid dark / smooth barrel metal with normal stamped Proof marks and bore size (25), "C. REEVES TOLEDO WORKS BIRMINGHAM" furnisher mark is stamped on one side of the stock butt end - this vendor is listed as a Confederate gun maker in the book "The British Connection". Original ram rod is present - in the lower section of the ramrod channel there is a stamped mark "SH" - probably for Sinclair Hamilton followed by a stamped "X III" (armorer match marks when the worker was working on more than one gun at the same time) as well as two (2) "Crown/CH/1" marks not in a circle. The lock plate marks (CROWN & 1863/TOWER) are strong, a working adjustable flip up rear sight. There are no stamped inventory numbers/letters on the brass butt plate - this practice was stopped during the second quarter of 1862 to speed up deliveries to the Confederacy. BUT there is "96" and "G 25" marks stamped on the brass butt plate possibly meaning rack number and company. Overall an great example of a Confederate purchased Civil War musket in untouched condition.
Sinclair Hamilton "SH/G1" mark (right) and "SH" mark above on butt plate and in ramrod channel.s
Stamped "96" and "G25" on butt plate possibly meaning rack number and company
Two "Crown/CH/1" inspector marks shown below in lower ranrod channel.
3rd Model Tower Brown Bess Musket (India Pattern Circa 1809) w Proper Bayonet Marked #139 Price $1950
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This Third Model Brown Bess India Pattern Type II (1809) is in very good "as found" antique condition with original surfaces throughout. It is in the original flintlock configuration and includes the correct bayonet with matching patina. The lockplate is marked "Tower" behind the cock and has the King's crown over GR and a broad arrow in front of the cock. The top of the breech has the King's proof mark and two viewers marks. There are inspector markings below the trigger guard and on the flat opposite the lock. The gun has all original parts and construction. With verbal provenance from a source in Massachusetts and no store keeper's mark indicating it was returned to England, this musket was probably an American capture during the War of 1812.
British Thomas Ketland Flintlock Pistol Circa 1795 Price $950
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Thomas Ketland Senior was a highly successful gunmaker who began his business around 1760 in Birmingham and expanded into the export market around 1790. He died in 1816. Ketland produced most of the private purchase firearms purchased in America during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ketland pistols were well built, sturdy, relatively inexpensive and popular during this period.
This pistol is circa 1795 and has T. Ketland engraved on the lock and is marked TK on the breech with early Birmingham proof marks. It is in very good antique condition with nice brass furniture as shown in photos. The gun is 13.5" long. Hammer action is strong.
New Jersey 1861 Dated H & P - 69 Cal. Springfield M-1816 Musket Conversion and H & P Made "US" Bayonet Price $2700 Now $2500
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While many Model 1816 flintlock muskets saw conversion from flintlock to percussion in the Civil War period, almost no other musket saw the level of quality workmanship provided by Hewes & Philips of Newark NJ. This military musket was originally made by the Springfield Arsenal in 1830 with a well stamped lock plate / date. This gun is a great example of flintlock conversions. The State of NJ had about 20,000 at the start of the Civil war - all were converted between 1861 and 1862.
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The musket was originally smooth bore but was rifled during the conversion -the rifling is good. The action is very strong. A very large bolster was welded to the barrel and a percussion nipple threaded in. A unique curved percussion hammer was installed. The ramrod is correct and original to the gun.
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This musket is the scarcer Type 1 conversion with a bolster clean out screw. The Type 2 conversions had no screw. The top of the barrel shows the company markings “H&P” (Hewes & Philips) and the date of the conversion "1861". A large “NJ” for New Jersey is also visible where the barrel meets the stock on the left side. The gun definitely saw action in the Civil War.
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A multi-leaf sight was installed at the rear. A bayonet lug was installed on the top near the muzzle. A longer “US” marked bayonet was made to current standards.
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This musket also has well defined original cartouche marks on the wood and metal from its original manufacture in 1830. there are cartouche markings on the wood, barrel, trigger guard, upper barrel band and escutcheon plate. See photos
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Although this musket saw real service, the stock wood and overall metal are strong with normal light metal corrosion and some nicks in the wood from combat usage but no real issues. The barrel has a gray mottled look.
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H & P used part numbers for the components that they made for their conversion. Bayonet #6 – Bayonet Lug #16 – Bolster #10 or #18 – Hammer #1 with H & P and date 1861 on top of barrel. See photos
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A very nice example of a converted New Jersey Militia musket and bayonet.
Hewes & Philips (H & P) Stamp w 1861 on top of barrel w Springfield / 1830 on lock plate.
Two Engraved Presentation Swords to Lt. and Captain Henry W. Horbach (also spelled Harbach)
with a Post War - Co. I / 193rd Regimental / Soldier Framed Record listing Captain Henry W. Harbach Price$8000 for both swords and framed Harbach military record. Now $7500
The engraved upper scabbard portion of the M-1860 Eagle hilt etched blade sword states: "Presented to / Lieut. H.W. Horbach / by his friends"
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The engraved upper scabbard portion of the M-1850 Staff & Field Officer's etched blade sword states: "Presented to / Capt. H.W. Harbach / by his Co. / Pgh July 25th 1864"
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There is framed company record of 93rd PA Regiment with the captain’s name spelled Henry W. Harbach. These differences are not significant -normal government and human paperwork errors / inconsistencies.
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The CW Database shows his name as Henry W. Horbach who enlisted as 2nd Lt in Co. A - 7th PA Infantry and a second record when he enlisted as captain in July 19 1864 – 193rd PA Infantry – the near same date on the S & F presentation sword - July 25 1864. See both summaries below:
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Henry W. Horbach - Residence Pittsburgh PA - Enlisted on 4/23/1861 as a 2nd Lieutenant.
On 4/23/1861 he was commissioned into "A" Co. PA 7th Infantry
He was Mustered Out on 7/29/1861 at Harrisburg, PA
Henry H. Horbach - Residence was not listed - Enlisted on 7/19/1864 as a Captain - Commissioned into "I" Co. PA 193rd Infantry
He was discharged on 9/26/1864
The Staff & Field Officer Sword comes with an original sword knot and is a classy ornate presentation sword. This high grade officer’s sword has an eagle-head quillon as part of the guard, an ornate eagle with shield on the brass pommel as well as the guard, beautiful ornate "Liberty" with shield and sword on the upper mount, and drum-cannon-horn-sword shown on the middle mount with a soldier carrying a flag on the drag.
The bright blade shows floral motifs with an etched US and Eagle with EPU motto The grip is wired German silver. The blade is also etched with "ALWAYS READY" and a "US" and it is mostly bright silver overall with no discoloration - a good edge and point. The spine is etched with a floral motif and “Iron Proof”, a standard phrase of a temper guarantee found on lots of swords imported into the US from foreign makers. The ricasso is marked "CLAUBERG SOLLIGEN". The steel scabbard body has all its original plum blue, with some very minor oxidation toward a light brown. The throat washer is present - no dents.
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The M-1861 sword has a knight's head pommel, bone or ivory handle with brass chain and eagle / shield guard. The brass scabbard has an acorn like tip has floral engraving - there is a very minor dent midway on the scabbard. The blade is well etched w flags / cap and an eagle with EPU motto - bright silver with no discoloration. No makers mark - throat washer present.
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A really nice set of officer grade classy swords with known provenance.
Ornate upper & lower mounts and drag and presentation inscription
"Always Ready" and "US" motto shown on blade in both photos below.
Clauberg - Solligen mark shown ricasso in above photo.
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The other presentation sword which was the first sword owned by Lt. Harbach before he was promoted to Captain - was engraved on the upper scabbard portion: "Presented to / Lieut. H.W. Horbach / by his friends".
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This M-1860 Eagle hilt etched blade sword has a knight's head pommel, bone or ivory handle with brass chain, a brass scabbard with floral engraving with a very minor dent. The blade is well etched w flags / cap and an eagle with EPU motto. The blade is bright silver with no discoloration. No makers mark - throat washer present.
Circa 1850-1860 Stag Handle Clip Point Fighting Knife w Leather Sheath Stamped "E.H. Wenlo / 108 REG." on Frog Price $2200
A well constructed stag handle fighting knife with a patent leather sheath. The frog portion of the sheath is split open at the top, but the frog is marked on its outer side in two lines "E.H. WENLO / 108 REG. The regiment number could be 103 or 109. Research on the soldier name and regiment number is required.
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The overall length is 14 3\4" and the blade is 9 3\4" length. The blade shows some age pitting and has a well made diamond rhomboid shape cross guard. The blade has not been resharpened. The sheath is strong condition and all stitching is in-tact except for the age leather split at the top of the frog belt loop. The sheath has a built-in working spring safety lever to protect the knife from accidently loss or theft. Overall a very nice example of a Civil War fighting knife.
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Spring Safety Lever shown on photo at the right
Stamped name and regiment number shown above on outer loop of leather frog
Example of similar Civil War era stag horn knifes on left /right and patent leather sheath shown on right
