INCREDIBLE INSCRIBED GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD BULLET STRUCK SWORD OF ISAAC S. KINGSBURY, ADJUTANT, 32ND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

INCREDIBLE INSCRIBED GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD BULLET STRUCK SWORD OF ISAAC S. KINGSBURY, ADJUTANT, 32ND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. A wonderfully inscribed U.S. model 1851 Foot Officer’s sword brought home as a souvenir of the Gettysburg battle and engraved with its historic “bullet wound” to the scabbard by a Rebel ball. Standard Model 1851 Foot Officer’s sword manufactured by the Ames Mfg. Co. and so marked on the reverse side of the scabbards’ top mount. 36″ slightly curved single edged blade with stopped fuller. Etched designs include floral panels with a spread-winged eagle and “U.S.” The hilt is of gilded cast brass with a half basket counter guard having floral openwork, a single branch knuckle bow and a pommel with laurel leaf decoration encircling the back. Grip is of sharkskin wound with twisted brass wire wrap. The scabbard is of steel with plain brass furniture. About midway between the middle mount and the drag there is a pronounced ball shaped dent in the scabbard. At some time shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg, the sword was inscribed on the scabbard body with the following tribute: Between the dent in the scabbard and the middle mount: “Sheathed to more readily assist Colonel George L. Prescott, who called “Adjutant, I am wounded,” this sword, swinging to the right leg as we turned received the shot of the neem, who nearly surrounded our brigade. Sgt. Joseph Cousens of Company K also assisting the Colonel received a shot in the right arm. This at Gettysburg PA, July 2, 1863 in the afternoon. Colonel Prescott was not injured. The shots “Buck and ball” striking the heels of his boots, not penetrating the flesh.” Between the throat of the scabbard and the middle mount: “Isaac F. Kingsbury, Adjutant/32 Regiment Infantry Mass Volunteers/2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army Corps/Army of the Potomac.” This historic sword, inscribed to Lt. Kingsbury was later inscribed as a war trophy to his gallant action at the battle of Gettysburg. The 32nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers were heavily engaged in Devils Den. Of 221 men taken into action, 81 were lost. Colonel George Prescott was wounded on the afternoon of July 2, 1863. Later he died of wounds received at the Battle of Petersburg and was breveted Brigadier General on June 18, 1864. Isaac F. Kingsbury and resident of Newton, Massachusetts enlisted on July 23, 1862 and was appointed Sergeant.. He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant on December 15, 1862. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant on February 6, 1863, Adjutant July 21, 1863 and was wounded in the Wilderness Campaign in 1864. Sergeant Cousens is listed as entering the Veteran Reserve Corps on August 1, 1863. A most historic offering with an inscribed tribute to a brave adjutant who nearly encountered fate on the Battlefield of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. CONDITION: The sword is in untouched “attic” condition having never been cleaned. The blade is lodged in the scabbard by the bullet dent. The inscription is contemporary with the sword’s use. It was, likely, sent home as a souvenir of the great battle and inscribed for posterity at that time. The first time this incredible Gettysburg relic has been offered to the public. 4-45439 (15,000-25,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2002

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
	637	$18,400.00	INCREDIBLE INSCRIBED GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD BULLET STRUCK SWORD OF ISAAC S. KINGSBURY, ADJUTANT, 32ND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. A wonderfully inscribed U.S. model 1851 Foot Officer’s sword brought home as a souvenir of the Gettysburg battle and engraved with its historic “bullet wound” to the scabbard by a Rebel ball. Standard Model 1851 Foot Officer’s sword manufactured by the Ames Mfg. Co. and so marked on the reverse side of the scabbards’ top mount. 36″ slightly curved single edged blade with stopped fuller. Etched designs include floral panels with a spread-winged eagle and “U.S.” The hilt is of gilded cast brass with a half basket counter guard having floral openwork, a single branch knuckle bow and a pommel with laurel leaf decoration encircling the back. Grip is of sharkskin wound with twisted brass wire wrap. The scabbard is of steel with plain brass furniture. About midway between the middle mount and the drag there is a pronounced ball shaped dent in the scabbard. At some time shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg, the sword was inscribed on the scabbard body with the following tribute: Between the dent in the scabbard and the middle mount: “Sheathed to more readily assist Colonel George L. Prescott, who called “Adjutant, I am wounded,” this sword, swinging to the right leg as we turned received the shot of the neem, who nearly surrounded our brigade. Sgt. Joseph Cousens of Company K also assisting the Colonel received a shot in the right arm. This at Gettysburg PA, July 2, 1863 in the afternoon. Colonel Prescott was not injured. The shots “Buck and ball” striking the heels of his boots, not penetrating the flesh.” Between the throat of the scabbard and the middle mount: “Isaac F. Kingsbury, Adjutant/32 Regiment Infantry Mass Volunteers/2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army Corps/Army of the Potomac.” This historic sword, inscribed to Lt. Kingsbury was later inscribed as a war trophy to his gallant action at the battle of Gettysburg. The 32nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers were heavily engaged in Devils Den. Of 221 men taken into action, 81 were lost. Colonel George Prescott was wounded on the afternoon of July 2, 1863. Later he died of wounds received at the Battle of Petersburg and was breveted Brigadier General on June 18, 1864. Isaac F. Kingsbury and resident of Newton, Massachusetts enlisted on July 23, 1862 and was appointed Sergeant.. He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant on December 15, 1862. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant on February 6, 1863, Adjutant July 21, 1863 and was wounded in the Wilderness Campaign in 1864. Sergeant Cousens is listed as entering the Veteran Reserve Corps on August 1, 1863. A most historic offering with an inscribed tribute to a brave adjutant who nearly encountered fate on the Battlefield of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. CONDITION: The sword is in untouched “attic” condition having never been cleaned. The blade is lodged in the scabbard by the bullet dent. The inscription is contemporary with the sword’s use. It was, likely, sent home as a souvenir of the great battle and inscribed for posterity at that time. The first time this incredible Gettysburg relic has been offered to the public. 4-45439 (15,000-25,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2002 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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