CONFEDERATE “FORT HILT” STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD.

CONFEDERATE “FORT HILT” STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD. This may be the first sword of this pattern to ever be sold in public auction. This was one of the highest grade Confederate patterns made. There are probably less than 20 specimens known with many or most surviving examples in various Confederate museums. This particular pattern is among the very best. The 29-1/2″ blade is full firm marked “Thomas, Griswold & Co, New Orleans”. This is one of the few specimens of this sword that retains most of orig leather wrap to scabbard body. This leather wrap to scabbard body is really only noted by two makers in their finest staff swords, makers being Louis Haiman of Columbus, Ga. and Thomas Griswold of New Orleans, who made this sword. The decoration of the fort in the hilt has been debated among collectors and scholars for many years as to whether the fort is Fort Sumter with the Confederate flag waving above or the New Orleans’ custom house or another New Orleans’ fort. Some early texts state this sword is probably made for Confederate engineers because of the castle motif which was used prior to the war as engineer’s insignia and there is at least one identified Confederate engineer with this sword but there are other branches of service represented including one example to a Confederate Navy captain. This example and scabbard presents beautifully, the leather surfaces of grip and body are excellent, the patina to brass hilt and scabbard mounts are smooth with most of their orig surfaces. PROVENANCE: Bill Osborn Collection. CONDITION: Blade is bright from polishing, some orig tool marks can still be seen. Large portion of salt and pepper pitting are present from tip to half length of blade. Blade markings are deep and easily discernible. Brass hilt retains strong traces of orig gilt, small traces of gilt are retained on top mounts. Leather grip wrap is excellent and 100% intact and possibly professionally restored by Mr. Osborn. Wire wrap is complete and tight. Leather scabbard cover to brass scabbard shows areas of shrinkage and several chunks are missing on reverse side, largest piece missing is about 3″x1″. 4-38958 JS2 (45,000-65,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2449	$46,000.00	CONFEDERATE “FORT HILT” STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD. This may be the first sword of this pattern to ever be sold in public auction. This was one of the highest grade Confederate patterns made. There are probably less than 20 specimens known with many or most surviving examples in various Confederate museums. This particular pattern is among the very best. The 29-1/2″ blade is full firm marked “Thomas, Griswold & Co, New Orleans”. This is one of the few specimens of this sword that retains most of orig leather wrap to scabbard body. This leather wrap to scabbard body is really only noted by two makers in their finest staff swords, makers being Louis Haiman of Columbus, Ga. and Thomas Griswold of New Orleans, who made this sword. The decoration of the fort in the hilt has been debated among collectors and scholars for many years as to whether the fort is Fort Sumter with the Confederate flag waving above or the New Orleans’ custom house or another New Orleans’ fort. Some early texts state this sword is probably made for Confederate engineers because of the castle motif which was used prior to the war as engineer’s insignia and there is at least one identified Confederate engineer with this sword but there are other branches of service represented including one example to a Confederate Navy captain. This example and scabbard presents beautifully, the leather surfaces of grip and body are excellent, the patina to brass hilt and scabbard mounts are smooth with most of their orig surfaces. PROVENANCE: Bill Osborn Collection. CONDITION: Blade is bright from polishing, some orig tool marks can still be seen. Large portion of salt and pepper pitting are present from tip to half length of blade. Blade markings are deep and easily discernible. Brass hilt retains strong traces of orig gilt, small traces of gilt are retained on top mounts. Leather grip wrap is excellent and 100% intact and possibly professionally restored by Mr. Osborn. Wire wrap is complete and tight. Leather scabbard cover to brass scabbard shows areas of shrinkage and several chunks are missing on reverse side, largest piece missing is about 3″x1″. 4-38958 JS2 (45,000-65,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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