RARE MCKENNIE & CO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA OFFICER’S SWORD.

RARE MCKENNIE & CO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA OFFICER’S SWORD. You are bidding on a rarely seen sword by a very obscure maker. This example, though unmarked, matches all of the specifications of the few known marked specimens. These characteristics include a very distinct pommel with no decoration with a deeply cut incised line leading up to a 2-step capstan that is oval in shape. The 2-branched hilt and plain quillion is identical to specimen shown in Albaugh’s Confederate text. McKennie’s unusual blades exhibit the standard unstopped fuller which, along with a small secondary fuller which runs the entire length of blade. Leather grip on this sword is reminiscent of certain Boyle & Gamble Richmond, Va products as their grips too were often dyed white originally. Accompanying scabbard, which is no doubt orig to this sword, is brass mounted leather and patinas to scabbard mounts and hilt match beautifully. Scabbards for McKennie’s are very well made. Note the diminutive well designed unique drag, which obviously was influenced by French or New Orleans patterns. The scabbard also, like the French or certain New Orleans patterns, is wood lined. There is a set of initials nicely scratched, as can be seen in photo, to the under side of hilt and top scabbard mount which read “SHP”. These initials, no doubt, were those of the officer who carried this sword. This is a beautiful sword in its fine orig scabbard with fine matching patinas and great blade. Sword still retains its protective red felt washer. The white handle is quite unique and attractive. Grip is missing all but a single row of orig wire wrap but does not detract aesthetically at all. Also included in this lot is a folio of information compiled by Mr. Edmunds including a photo of himself and a descendant of the manufacturer holding this sword. According to information in file, McKennie produced less than 200 swords before McKennie closed the operation in Charlottesville in April 1862. It would be interesting to see if the soldier with initials “SHP” turns up as an officer who was originally in Mathew Marcellus McKennie’s orig 88th Virginia Regiment Militia, which McKennie had started before the war. PROVENANCE: Fred Edmunds Collection. CONDITION: Blade is gray/bright with scattered staining. Brass hilt, pommel and scabbard mounts all patinaed with scattered scrapes, scratches and stains. White leather grip is 95% intact with several chips, the largest being about 3/4 x 1/4″. Only one strand of wire wrap remains. 4-38137 JS22 (15,000-20,000)

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
	2481	$16,100.00	RARE MCKENNIE & CO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA OFFICER’S SWORD. You are bidding on a rarely seen sword by a very obscure maker. This example, though unmarked, matches all of the specifications of the few known marked specimens. These characteristics include a very distinct pommel with no decoration with a deeply cut incised line leading up to a 2-step capstan that is oval in shape. The 2-branched hilt and plain quillion is identical to specimen shown in Albaugh’s Confederate text. McKennie’s unusual blades exhibit the standard unstopped fuller which, along with a small secondary fuller which runs the entire length of blade. Leather grip on this sword is reminiscent of certain Boyle & Gamble Richmond, Va products as their grips too were often dyed white originally. Accompanying scabbard, which is no doubt orig to this sword, is brass mounted leather and patinas to scabbard mounts and hilt match beautifully. Scabbards for McKennie’s are very well made. Note the diminutive well designed unique drag, which obviously was influenced by French or New Orleans patterns. The scabbard also, like the French or certain New Orleans patterns, is wood lined. There is a set of initials nicely scratched, as can be seen in photo, to the under side of hilt and top scabbard mount which read “SHP”. These initials, no doubt, were those of the officer who carried this sword. This is a beautiful sword in its fine orig scabbard with fine matching patinas and great blade. Sword still retains its protective red felt washer. The white handle is quite unique and attractive. Grip is missing all but a single row of orig wire wrap but does not detract aesthetically at all. Also included in this lot is a folio of information compiled by Mr. Edmunds including a photo of himself and a descendant of the manufacturer holding this sword. According to information in file, McKennie produced less than 200 swords before McKennie closed the operation in Charlottesville in April 1862. It would be interesting to see if the soldier with initials “SHP” turns up as an officer who was originally in Mathew Marcellus McKennie’s orig 88th Virginia Regiment Militia, which McKennie had started before the war. PROVENANCE: Fred Edmunds Collection. CONDITION: Blade is gray/bright with scattered staining. Brass hilt, pommel and scabbard mounts all patinaed with scattered scrapes, scratches and stains. White leather grip is 95% intact with several chips, the largest being about 3/4 x 1/4″. Only one strand of wire wrap remains. 4-38137 JS22 (15,000-20,000) 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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