Weapons
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Confederate Kerr Revolver S/N 9354 - JS/ANCHOR Marked w 1851 Dated Mint British Gun Maker R. Adams 56 Bore (44 Cal.) Double Cavity "Tailed" Brass Bullet Mold - Conical & Ball Style with 6 lead bullet samples and a Tranter Bullet Tin Price $7900
A very nice Confederate imported and used Kerr revolver with a well stamped and clear JS / {ANCHOR} inspection mark found on the front of the wooden grip of the gun below the grip frame tang.
This is the inspection mark of John Southgate, who acted as a “viewer” (arms inspector) for the Confederacy. The majority of Confederate imported Kerr serial numbers run from 1,5XX and through the lower end of the 10,XXX range.
It is believed that nearly all of the L.A.C.’s output of Kerr revolvers from April of 1861 through the close of the Civil War was produced over three contracts for the Confederacy, with about 9,000 pistols manufactured and shipped to the south during that time.
Concrete documentary evidence of how high the Confederates used serial numbered Kerr revolvers is from the Squad Roll of Lt. Julian Pratt of Company H of the 18th Virginia Cavalry. This document lists the pistols in possession of his squad of cavalry in July of 1864. On the list are seven Kerr revolvers that range between #9240 - #9974. The Confederacy would continue to import Kerr revolvers throughout the end of the war, with the last documented shipment being eight cases in March of 1865. Kerr revolvers were issued primarily to Confederate cavalry in large numbers, including the 7th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 35th Virginia as well as the 24th Georgia and 8th Texas.
This Kerr revolver was probably imported in mid 1864 through Charleston or Wilmington and saw somewhat limited action. The revolver is in strong original condition with some limited spot pitting but with considerable light to medium traces of original finish bluing - about 45 –65 % on the frame, barrel, hammer and rammer. The gun has a solid mechanical action with very good screws. The rifling is fine – lanyard ring present. The wood and grip checking is very strong such that the grip "bites” your hand when held. Very good checking on hammer.
The revolver comes with a near mint condition British Gun Maker Robert Adams 56 Bore (44 Caliber) Double Cavity "Tailed" Brass Bullet Mold - Conical & Ball Style with 6 lead bullet samples and a Tranter Bullet Tin. The revolver and accessory items all come in a finished wood display case with glass lid.
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Confederate D-Guard Fighting Knife
18 inch Overall length - Blade 12.5 inch - Heavy Blade
Very good blade edge - no modern sharpening - steel ferrule - wood handle shows usage but fully intact - sharp blade edge - solid overall condition.
A nice addition to any collection. Price $2300 ON-HOLD
Confederate Freolich Like Spear Point Variant D-Guard Fightng Knife or Short Sword w A
Soldier Turned / Grooved Handle Price $3400 SOLD
An original Confederate D Guard Knife or Short Sword. Large 21" overall length with 15 3/4" long x 1 25/32” wide double edged spear point blade. The blade thickness is 5/16” The sword weighs 2 lbs. The blade shows some file marks. The oval shape iron guard is 1/8” thick and 2" wide and the D-guard bow is 7/8" wide and ~5 1/8” long.
The gray blade has scattered salt and pepper pitting and silver gray patina. The wood grip is one piece oval turned with nicely made spiral grooves along the length. The iron guard shows some nicks and marks from use.
This D-guard cutlass or large bowie knife is very similar by form and dimensions to the Kenansville, NC products made Louis Froelich, particularly the Naval variation shown on pages 65 and 66 in the book “Louis Freolich – Arms Maker to the Confederacy”. The bottom knife shown on page 66 from John McAden's book illustrates variant short sword that has a thicker cross guard / handle guard and a more round, heavier weight straight handle very similar to the reference knife. The added grooves on the handle are very well done. This is a massive fighting knife.
Page 66 above from John McAden's Book on Freolich Products
A nice example of a spear point knife / sword that has similar design and construction features of a Louis Froelich product.
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
The engraved upper scabbard mount of the M-1860 Eagle hilt etched blade sword states: "Presented to / Lieut. H.W. Horbach / by his friends"
The engraved upper scabbard mount 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"
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.
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:
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 S & F Officer Sword comes with a sword knot and is a classy ornate presentation sword. This high grade officer’s sword has an eagle-head quillon, brass eagle hilt an eagle pommel and beautiful ornate "Liberty" and drum-cannon upper and middle mounts with soldier and flag drag. The 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 is mostly bright silver overall with no discoloration - a good edge and point. The spine is etched “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 blue, wit some minor oxidation toward a light brown. The throat washer is present.
The M-1861 has a knight's head pommel, bone or ivory handle with brass chain, a brass scabbard has floral engraving with a very minor dent. The blade is well etched and flags / cap and an eagle with EPU - bright silver with no discoloration. No makers mark - throat washer present. $10,500
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.
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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.
"7" Stamped on Barrel for 7th Fusiliers - Uniform button shown below
Tower Storekeeper's dated mark above
New Jersey 1861 H & P - 69 Cal. Springfield Musket Conversion and H & P Made US Bayonet
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 one is a great example flintlock conversions. The State of NJ had about 20,000 at the start of the Civil war - all were converted between 1861 and 1862.
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.
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” 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.
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.
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
Although this musket saw real service, the stock wood and overall metal are strong with normal light metal pitting and some nicks in the wood from combat usage but no real issues. The barrel has a gray mottled look.
H & P used part numbers for the components they made for their conversion. Bayonet #6 – Bayonet Lug #16 – Bolster #10 or #18 – Hammer #1 with H & P and 1861 on top of barrel. See photos
A very nice example of a converted New Jersey Militia musket and bayonet. Price $2700
Original Boyle & Gamble Confederate Staff Officer Sword w Scabbard Made in Richmond VA SOLD
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
Very Scarce to Rare Confederate Imported P-1853 Enfield Socket Bayonet Engraved with the Confederate Inventory Number 3227 on the Socket - Comes w Original 1st Pattern Scabbard and Standard Leather Frog
This number of 3227 places the bayonet within the first of three groups of 10,000 numbered arms that were delivered to the Confederacy. The initial group was numbered from 1-9999, and the two subsequent groups were numbered in the same range, with the suffix “A” added to the second 10,000 and “B” added to the third 10,000. It likely that this bayonet (and its accompanying rifle musket) were part of the initial deliveries of arms to the Confederacy during latter 1861 or the first few months of 1862.
This bayonet was made and marked by F. Preston Manchester with inspector mark J.F - the frog shows usage wear on the back and on the front leather buckle strap, and there is a small split on the top of the leather frog that slides over the waist belt. The stitching on the frog is intact. The bayonet tip is well pointed and has a mottled surface with no blemishes or marks. The socket end has aged brown grease patina. The stamped "17" on the socket end may represent the blade length.
The Enfield rifle muskets that had engraved inventory numbers were shipped with a matching numbered ramrod, and a similarly engraved numbered socket bayonet or engraved number saber bayonets. A very knowledgeable researcher on Confederate imported arms has been assembling a database of Confederate numbered rifles and rifle muskets for over 25 years. During this time he has assembled a database of slightly more than 300 Confederate numbered guns. Only a list of 43 - 50 Confederate numbered socket bayonets has been assembled by the same researcher!
This means that Confederate marked English socket bayonets are about 7 times scarcer than the numbered Confederate longarms! This is a rare Confederate Enfield Bayonet with scabbard and frog - a great item for any Confederate Enfield Rifled Musket collector. Price: $2100
F.Preston/Manchester Stamp Above - Left From book "British Connection" a statement noting the rarity of numbered Enfield socket bayonets.
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.
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