HISTORIC BULLET STRUCK SWORD OF BVT. BRIGADIER GENERAL W.P. RICHARDSON 25TH OHIO VOLUNTEERS.

HISTORIC BULLET STRUCK SWORD OF BVT. BRIGADIER GENERAL W.P. RICHARDSON 25TH OHIO VOLUNTEERS. Fancy U.S. Model 1851 Staff & Field Officer’s sword unsigned with European blade maker’s mark. The single edged blade measures 33” and is decorated with etched panels of trophies, U.S. and an eagle. The counter guard is of cast brass with a half basket hilt having “U.S.” within the floral openwork. The brass pommel has laurel leaf decorations on the back. The grip is of wood covered with sharkskin and wrapped with twisted brass wire. The scabbard is iron with brass furniture. The mountings are heavily decorated with a U.S. shield, floral engraving and, on the drag, “One Destiny” is engraved within a ribband. The top mount is crudely scratched “Col. W.P. Richardson/25th OVI” (this scratched inscription is lightly done, somewhat crude but appears to be contemporary with the sword’s period of use). The back of the center mount is heavily dented where a bullet obviously struck the scabbard. As a result of the impact, the iron scabbard was sheared in two just below the mount. William Pitt Richardson was born in Pennsylvania in 1824, following his law education at Washington (Pa.) College, he served in the Mexican War. At the outset of the Civil War he was appointed Colonel of the 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The 25th Ohio was a hard fought unit in the Northern Virginia campaigns. During the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, Colonel Richardson was hit twice leading his regiment on May 2, 1863. The first ball landed in the scabbard of his sword (obviously removed from its scabbard when struck) and second caught Richardson in the right shoulder. Following his recovery and Brevet as Brigadier General of Volunteers, he was appointed commander of Camp Chase military prison in Ohio. Richardson died August 4, 1886 and is buried in New Castle, Indiana. An extremely rare opportunity to own a battlefield struck sword of an important Civil War commander. Accompanied by several pages of misc. documentation and letters regarding this sword. CONDITION: The sword shows very heavy use, the blade is gray but the etched decoration is still visible. All metal parts have a pleasing dark, untouched patina. The iron portion of the fractured scabbard was once soldered together but is now separated. The grip shows wear and minor losses to sharkskin. 4-45262 CW (6,000-8,000)

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
	638	$0.00	HISTORIC BULLET STRUCK SWORD OF BVT. BRIGADIER GENERAL W.P. RICHARDSON 25TH OHIO VOLUNTEERS. Fancy U.S. Model 1851 Staff & Field Officer’s sword unsigned with European blade maker’s mark. The single edged blade measures 33” and is decorated with etched panels of trophies, U.S. and an eagle. The counter guard is of cast brass with a half basket hilt having “U.S.” within the floral openwork. The brass pommel has laurel leaf decorations on the back. The grip is of wood covered with sharkskin and wrapped with twisted brass wire. The scabbard is iron with brass furniture. The mountings are heavily decorated with a U.S. shield, floral engraving and, on the drag, “One Destiny” is engraved within a ribband. The top mount is crudely scratched “Col. W.P. Richardson/25th OVI” (this scratched inscription is lightly done, somewhat crude but appears to be contemporary with the sword’s period of use). The back of the center mount is heavily dented where a bullet obviously struck the scabbard. As a result of the impact, the iron scabbard was sheared in two just below the mount. William Pitt Richardson was born in Pennsylvania in 1824, following his law education at Washington (Pa.) College, he served in the Mexican War. At the outset of the Civil War he was appointed Colonel of the 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The 25th Ohio was a hard fought unit in the Northern Virginia campaigns. During the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, Colonel Richardson was hit twice leading his regiment on May 2, 1863. The first ball landed in the scabbard of his sword (obviously removed from its scabbard when struck) and second caught Richardson in the right shoulder. Following his recovery and Brevet as Brigadier General of Volunteers, he was appointed commander of Camp Chase military prison in Ohio. Richardson died August 4, 1886 and is buried in New Castle, Indiana. An extremely rare opportunity to own a battlefield struck sword of an important Civil War commander. Accompanied by several pages of misc. documentation and letters regarding this sword. CONDITION: The sword shows very heavy use, the blade is gray but the etched decoration is still visible. All metal parts have a pleasing dark, untouched patina. The iron portion of the fractured scabbard was once soldered together but is now separated. The grip shows wear and minor losses to sharkskin. 4-45262 CW (6,000-8,000) 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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