Civil War Era Ebony Wood Handle Dagger w Medieval Quillon

​

This civil war era dirk has hand checkered, one piece ebony wood grip and a silver nickel ferrule along with a metal medieval style quillon/guard with well-defined pyramidal type end caps.

The knife is 9 3/4 inch overall length and has 5 3/8 inch dagger blade. No maker's marks but this dagger is a quality piece with a beautiful finish on the tapered blade with sharp edges. The knife shows little handling wear and no sharpening. The ebony handle has a slight age split from tang compression on one side but is strong with no movement.

The dagger has its original embossed decorated, single rib sewn leather sheath with a silver nickel tip. This dagger was probably used a boot dagger or for a lady's purse protection.

Overall very fine condition. Price $650  Now $500

Civil War Officer Side Knife w Metal Sheath / Scabbard

This Civil War Officer's side knife is 12 in. overall length, with a 7 1/2 in. blade with a double side sharpened edge.

It has a well-made heavy metal sheath with a button hanger. The blade is mostly blued with a soft patination in a semi-clip point design for the end 4 3/4 inch section. No maker mark. (See note below) The grip is varnished hardwood with some spotty usage loss of the finish. It has a silver ferrule, pommel and guard.

 Overall this knife quality made and is in fine condition.  Price $750  Now $650

The offered knife is identical to another knife marked A.G. Hicks on the blade from Cleveland Ohio except for the bone handle. See two photos below. The style and construction are the same.

Engraved Pocket “Peanut” Size Henry Deringer Pistol 

Barrel Marked in Three Lines: C. CURRY / SAN  FRANCo CALa / AGENT  Price $3200 

Now $2900  ON-HOLD

1.5” Barrel – 41 Caliber – 5” Overall

Original antique Henry Deringer Percussion Pistol, made circa 1856-63 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The name DERINGER PHILEDELPHIA is stamped twice on the gun. It is also marked on the barrel with retailer agent Charles Curry of San Francisco California.

​

In 1863, Nathaniel and John Curry inherited their brother Charles's business upon his death and began marking their pistols using “N. Curry & Bro/San Franco Cala” placing the C. Curry example with a production date of circa pre-1863. Curry was a large distributor of real legitimate “Deringers” vs period copies. Curry was a former citizen of Philadelphia as well.  

This gun is German silver mounted, with two silver bands at the breech and engraved German silver mounts, including a shield shaped escutcheon plate. The bore is rifled but with some weakness from age and use.

Henry Deringer was a very successful Pennsylvanian gunsmith who started his own company in his early twenties, circa 1809. It was not until the 1850s that his prototypical “Deringer” percussion pistol became extremely popular.

​

This small single shot percussion pistol is in very good to fine condition with good working action on the hammer. 

Rare - Mint Condition Model 1850 AMES Staff & Field Officers Sword - Type II Variety Dated 1862 - Inspected by Alfred D. King (ADK) for Federal Ord. Dept.

 Only 162 Originally Purchased in 1862 - 15 to 24 of this date in various conditions are known     Price $6900    NOTE: In a recent Aug . 27 2022 RIA, Lot 1146 for the same Ames 1862 / ADK inspected US Staff & Field Officer sword in a near mint condition as the one being offered on this website sold for $12,925. See:  www.rockislandauction.com/detail/86/1146/ames-manufacturing-co-model-1850-staff-field-officers-sword

The US M-1850 Staff & Field Officers’ Sword was officially adopted in the US Army regulations of 1851, but it traces its genesis back about two years, as correspondence within the Ordnance Bureau shows that a change in sword pattern was being discussed in 1849 and was largely based upon the French M-1845 Officers’ sword. The M-1851 regulations established not only a new pattern of Staff & Field Officers’ sword, but also a new pattern of Foot Officers’ sword.

​

Only 379 M-1850 Staff & Field Officers’ swords were purchased from Ames by the US Ordnance Department from the adoption of the pattern through the end of the American Civil War for regular Army Officers. Ames was at the forefront of American Sword production. The sword is etched in three script lines on the obverse blade just forward of the ricasso: Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass.

​

The blade is also stamped with the date 1862 on one side and the inspector’s mark ADK on opposite side of blade . The blade has beautiful etching of block letter U.S. and a Wings Up Eagle with motto E. Pluribus Unum.

Note: In 1862 the volume of swords going through Ames as purchased by the Federal Government was huge. This included Foot and Staff/Field Officers, NCO, enlisted cavalry sabers and naval cutlasses, cavalry officers sabers, enlisted and foot artillery swords along with cannons and ordnance stores. The normal protocol of showing an inspector's stamp (initials) on the brass sword pommel and brass scabbard drag were not applied to 1862 Officer's swords (Foot and Staff/Field) while all others swords issued in that year had the complete inspector marks. The reason was possibly expediency. Subsequent officer swords inspected in the following war years to 1865 had protocol re-instated and followed.  Overall this is an outstanding example of an early Civil War production Ames M-1850 Staff & Field Officers’ Sword. The condition of the sword is essentially perfect with the great eye appeal of the etched blade and gold washed hilt, pommel and scabbard mounts and drag. The sword throat washer show no darkening from age or use. There are no nicks on the sword blade. The shark skin handle/wire show no wear. A perfect center piece for any collection of the American Civil War artifacts.

British “Tower” George III Heavy Dragoon Flint Lock Military Pistol    ON-HOLD

Pattern 1777 - Circa 1777 - 1780  - Excellent Condition - Well Marked  Price $7500

Very Scarce English heavy dragoon horse pistol which is stamped with the number “7” on left side of the barrel breech end. This mark probably represents the 7th Royal Fusiliers Regiment which took a very active part in the American Revolution and served for a time under the infamous Colonel Banastre Tarleton whose green uniform was the dress of the British Legion organized in New York.

This regiment was formed as a fusilier regiment in 1685 by George Legge, 1st Baron Dartmouth, from two companies of the Tower of London guard, and was originally called the Ordnance Regiment. This regiment became the 7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fusiliers) in 1751 with the name lasting till the end of the 1780’s.

Col. Tarleton gained his reputation after the Battle of the Waxhaws where he had numerous Americans killed after the battle.

19 1/2” overall length with 12” round smoothbore .65 caliber barrel with Royal Ordnance proofs at the center breech. Lock plate stamped with strong “CROWN/BROAD ARROW” mark and the Royal Cypher. A Royal Armory Cross Pikes Proof mark is on the barrel tang. The tail of the lock plate has a crisp “TOWER” stamp. The walnut stock with brass mounts and an inspector’s stamp “VI” in the wood just to the rear of the side plate. A Store Keeper’s cartouche dated 1786 struck on the right wrist indicating when it was returned to the storekeeper. at the Tower. There are stamped marks in the ramrod channel of "BK" and two other crown type marks.

​

100% original and fine in every respect including all the lock parts and the ramrod. Beautiful metal with the original grey patina and finished stock with very few bumps and bruises. The flint hammer is in very strong working order.

​

The arrival of the arms at the Tower, deliveries were generally monthly. When the arms arrived at the Tower they were received by the Storekeeper's clerks, and having been noted down and a receipt issued, they were struck on the right side of the buttstock with the

Storekeeper's stamp consisting, until the 1780s, of the Royal Cypher with a crown above it, Beginning in 1786 a date was added below the cypher, but this date was not changed until the particular stamp was either broken or worn out. Dated Storekeeper's stamps cannot be used as a precise indication of when a piece was taken into store, except that the year shown will indicate a 'not before' date. The weapons were now completed and in their racks in the Tower of London, ready for distribution to the troops and ships of HM forces, or to garrisons at home and abroad.

​

The British Royal 7th Fusiliers participated in Major General Tryon's raid in July 1779 on three Connecticut ports. In April 1780, the Fusiliers took part in the capture of Charleston.  Once Charleston fell, the regiment helped garrison the city. Three mounted companies were sent to Ninety-Six to assist with the training of Loyalist militia companies and to join Charles Cornwallis's Army as it advanced towards Charlotte, North Carolina in early September 1780. After the war the Fusiliers returned to England in 1783. The British Government having acknowledged the Independence of the United States of America, a general peace was signed on 30th.November 1782. The 7th.Royal Fusiliers returned to England early in 1783.

It is stated in De Witt Bailey’s book “Small Arms of the British Forces in America 1664-1815” pp.281-291 that these pistols (Patterns 1777 & 1781) were originally developed for use by American Loyalist mounted militia units in the South and that 400 pairs of pistols were delivered to the Ordnance Store Ship Juliana at Charleston Harbor, South Carolina in Dec. 1781, which Prof. Bailey states were most probably of this pattern.

​

​

Original Boyle & Gamble Confederate Staff Officer Sword w Scabbard​ Made in Richmond VA   ON-HOLD 

This sword is 100% original, has never been cleaned. The patina on the hilt, scabbard mounts and drag all match. Comes with a period sword knot and its original throat washer. The brass fixtures' color show a high copper content.

There are no nicks, scratches or bruises on the hilt, mounts or drag. The leather scabbard is solid and strong but has some minor age surface cracks and one stress area from use , but the scabbard remains solid. The scabbard's glossy leather finish is present and still intact. The leather grip and wire on handle are original and 100% intact.

The blade was never been sharpened - it has seven tick marks along the edge from real usage.

The blade is generally bright with a readable acid etched CSA in a shield and the Battle Flag on one side and two sets of Confederate flags on the other side, the lower set of flags is strong - the upper set of flags is on the lighter side. Both blade sides have etched scroll and floral decorations. The blade has scattered light mottled age gray color along both sides. The blade point is strong.  Price $19,500   Now $18,000

Large Heavy Confederate Bowie Knife Once Owned by Noted Civil War Collector / Dealer        R.E. Neville Via Union Drummer Boy                                     Price $3900  ON-HOLD

This original Confederate Bowie Knife is very well made with a two piece wood handle using two iron rivets and a tapered "S" shaped iron guard. Finishing file marks are found on both sides of the blade along with forging flaws. It is 14 3/4" overall length and weigh 1 Lb 3 oz. The unique style clip point blade is 9 5/8" long by 2" wide. The knife is strong with no loose elements. The wood handle is worn smooth from use. The Neville inventory number E-12 is marked on the S guard. A great Confederate bowie knife. Comes with a Union Drummer Boy Certificate of Authenticity.

​

1864 Dated Confederate Fayetteville Type IV Rifle and Arsenal Made Socket Bayonet

Price $16,000 Now $13,500

A very fine example of the famous North Carolina rifle with all original parts and a well marked stamped Eagle, 1864, CSA and FAYETTEVILLE showing strongly on the lock plate. There is also a bold CSA mark stamped on the brass butt plate. Due to usage and some corrosion the barrel date can not be seen., however there are strong proper proof marks (V,P and Eagle) on the barrel breech side. The hammer and trigger action are strong. The tulip drum head ramrod is a period original with a threaded end for the bullet tool extraction. The lock plate has aged dark color with some small patch of pitting near the hammer. The triple rear leaf sight is present and in good working order. The rifle’s brass hardware on the butt plate, barrel bands, stock nose cap and trigger guard has a very nice aged patina color and are original.

The barrel has a smooth brown factory color with scattered mottled small dark spots and very minimal pitting/nicks along the length except near the breech end. The barrel rifling is light. All screws are strong. The band springs work well. The wood is dark walnut with a reddish hue with minimal amount of miscellaneous small nicks and cuts along the stock. The wood stock is fully complete except around the barrel breech and bolster area which shows some wood loss due to usage. A large script letter oval cartouche with the inspector’s initials PB is stamped in the wood. There is an very old crack repair to a stock behind the lock plate. The stock is solid and strong.

​

The Fayetteville rifle was made from parts and machinery seized by the Confederates at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal in April 1861 and brought down along with technical personnel to the Federal Fayetteville Arsenal which was also captured by North Carolina troops in 1861, then turned over to the Confederacy to make arms and ammunition. About 8700 rifles were between 1862 and 1864 by Fayetteville Arsenal. The rifle comes with an original Fayetteville Arsenal made socket bayonet with the proper longer length, 22 3/4" length - the bayonet fits well to the gun. The bayonet is in fine condition. This is a really nice rifle and bayonet for a serious collector looking for a Confederate weapon in great condition.  

​

1862 P-53 Tower Enfield Rifled Musket Marked “W. Tranter” on Stock Bottom & Ram Rod Channel - Birmingham Small Arms Trade Company (Crown/BSAT/C) Supplier Mark Stamped Near Trigger Guard / Confederate Purchase / Usage  

​

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. The supplier mark is stamped behind the trigger guard. The Northern Army also had at least one large setback in their purchase orders, and this one played out to the Confederacy's advantage. Colonel George L. Schyler from the North allowed a deal to fall through after the United States War Department was unable to deliver funding in a timely manner. Confederate Major Caleb Huse in April 1861 seized the opportunity and offered the contractor, Birmingham Small Arms Trade Company, 50 cents more per gun which was accepted. In spite of the Federal blockade, shipments of arms were extremely successful. 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.

The firm was one of the primary English suppliers of arms to the Confederacy and was also a major player within the English arms industry.

​

The 1862 dated Enfield is in very fine condition as shown in the photos. Strong hammer cocking action, handsome tiger striped varnished walnut or beach wood with no loss - only minor usage marks, mottled smooth barrel metal with stamped Proof marks and bore size (25), comes with original nipple protector and chain. "W. TRANTER" Birmingham furnisher, who is listed as a Confederate gun maker in the book "The British Connection", is stamped twice on the gun - on the bottom of the stock and in the ramrod channel, strong lock plate marks, 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. Overall an great example of a probable Confederate purchased Civil War musket. Price $2800

SPECIAL MODEL 1861 COLT CONTRACT RIFLED MUSKET. Cal. 58. - New Jersey Militia Marked with"37" Stamped on Butt Plate Tang      Price $3200

This musket is a very fine example of an 1863 dated New Jersey Colt contract rifle in original and complete condition. This musket conforms to all models of this contract with 40″ round barrel and iron mountings. This was a popular Civil War long arm that was sold and inspected by the State of New Jersey. The barrel and stock are both stamped “NJ”. This gun has very nice crisp markings throughout. Lock is dated 1863 and barrel is stamped 1863. The number 37 on the butt plate tang is probably an inventory or rack number.

CONDITION: Barrel is bright steel with scattered areas of minor staining and pitting. 1863 barrel date “VP” proof and “NJ” acceptance marks are very crisp. Bore is bright with discernible rifling. Lock and hammer are silver/gray overall. Stock is very good and sound overall with crisp edges. Good “NJ” acceptance mark opposite lock. Colt sub-inspector mark “M” is found stamped in wood behind trigger guard. Stock exhibits areas of raised grain with scattered nicks, dings and scratches from use under a thin coat of varnish like the rest of the gun.

​

Colt Model 1861 Special Musket was Manufactured between 1861-1865 with production estimated between 75,000 & 100,000. Originally made for the Federal Government to support the war effort, however some failed the stringent government inspections yet were definitely serviceable. Classified by Colt as “Second Class U.S. Rifle Muskets” many were sold to Northern states to support local Militias. New York outfitters and arms dealer Schuyler, Hartley & Graham sold 2,500 of these muskets to the state of Connecticut in July of 1863. But it seems most were sold to the state of New Jersey based on surviving examples.

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 $3200

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

​

Manhattan revolver shown below in "The Fighting Men of the Civil War" reference book, Item 6 above

Engraved Stage Coach scene shown on 31 cal. Manhattan revolver cylinders

One of a Kind: M-1822 British Light Cavalry Sword w Attached Circa 1850's Belgium 28 Cal. Pin Fire Revolver - Possible Confederate Creation         Price $3500

​

A very interesting, well crafted combination weapon from the pre or Civil War era composed of a Model 1821 etched blade pipe-back light cavalry sword (no scabbard) and a mid - 1850’s Belgium made 28 Caliber pin fire 6 shot revolver. The revolver is attached to the sword blade by a screw along with the pull device attached to the trigger used to shoot the gun.

The revolver is activated by pulling the metal finger loop pull device attached by screws to the trigger. In its present state, the revolver needs to be hand rotated to the next round after firing. The cylinder turns easily. The revolver hammer can also be cocked first and then shot with the pull device, but this approach is somewhat cumbersome.

The revolver is proof mark for Belgium manufacture and is missing its shell discharge rammer.

The sword has an engraved cypher on both sides on the upper part of the blade of King William IV (Ruler 1830 - 1837). The sword handle shows some loss of wood and shagreen from use on the upper right side. The wire is still intact.

It is unknown how the scabbard was modified to carry the weapon with the attached revolver.

A very unique item suggesting a possible Confederate invention.

​

​