PRESENTATION FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. COLONEL JOHN N. PURVIANCE, 13TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.

PRESENTATION FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. COLONEL JOHN N. PURVIANCE, 13TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. This inscribed sword belonged to an officer of the 13th PA, a 3-month unit raised from Western PA and organized at Camp Curtin, in Harrisburg. This sword is a regulation style U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword of European manufacture. It conforms to the standard profile except that its lightly curved blade has an unstopped fuller and secondary fuller much like those produced in France. The entire sword is in “attic” black condition. The scabbard is of steel with brass mounts. The top mount is inscribed “John N. Purviance/Lieut. Col. 13th Reg’t Pa Vol.”. The 13th PA was mustered into the service of the United States on the 25th of April 1861, one of the first to respond to Lincoln’s call for volunteers. On the 4th of June, the regiment moved to Chambersburg, and on the 11th to Camp Brady, south of the town, reporting to Col. Dixon S. Miles, commanding the 4th Brig, 1st Div of Patterson’s Corps. On the 14th, the column began to move, the 13th reaching Greencastle the same night and on the following day it was continued to Camp Reily, near Williamsport. On Sun. the 16th of June, the 13th were the first volunteers from the North to reach VA on this line. Returning to the MD line, they were ordered to Washington. On the return march, the 13th was again assigned the post of honor – that of rear guard to the column. Returning to the neighborhood of Williamsport, it encamped in a position to command the principal ford. When Patterson’s army again advanced on the 2ndn of July, the 13th and the 8th PA regiments were detailed to garrison Williamsport, and to protect communications with the base of supply. Procuring the use of the “Williamsport Ledger” office, they commenced the publication of the “Pennsylvania 13th ” devoted to the patriotic sentiment of the camp, and to the more elevated tone of wit and humor prevalent in the ranks. The first number was issued on the 4th of July, 1861, and was continued, at intervals, until after the battle of Antietam, in Sept, 1862, a portable printing-press and materials having been purchased, and moved with the regiment. Early on the morning of July 4th, the regiment was ordered to escort the RI battery, belonging to Col Burnside’s command, to Martinsburg. Engaged in picket and fatigue duty, until the 16th, it moved to Bunker Hill, and occupied the camps just vacated by the rebels, taking possession of their forage and their camp fires, still alive. On the 17th, a forced march was made to Charlestown (W) VA. Nearly the whole distance, over dusty roads, was performed at a “double quick”. At a cross roads, called Smithfield, a halt was made, by order of Gen Patterson, a line of battle formed, the artillery placed in battery, and every thing put in readiness for action. This maneuver was executed with the design of protecting the column against a sudden dash of the enemy’s cavalry, which hung upon the flank and rear of the army in considerable force. The regiment remained in camp at Charlestown until the 21st when it was ordered to Harper’s Ferry. On the evening of the 22nd, it again struck tents, and marched to Hagerstown, whence, on the 25th, it moved by the Cumberland Valley railroad to Harrisburg. Having neared the end of their enlistment, the 13th removed to Harrisburg where they were mustered out of service. Many of these men reorganized into another regiment which eventually became the 102nd PA. CONDITION: Good. Sword has seen hard use and is in an uncleaned and heavily patinated state. All metal surfaces are quite dark with some surface rust. Scabbard has numerous dents. Grip and hilt are good. 4-30362 CW13 (3,500-4,500)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007

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
	266	$1,840.00	PRESENTATION FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. COLONEL JOHN N. PURVIANCE, 13TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. This inscribed sword belonged to an officer of the 13th PA, a 3-month unit raised from Western PA and organized at Camp Curtin, in Harrisburg. This sword is a regulation style U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword of European manufacture. It conforms to the standard profile except that its lightly curved blade has an unstopped fuller and secondary fuller much like those produced in France. The entire sword is in “attic” black condition. The scabbard is of steel with brass mounts. The top mount is inscribed “John N. Purviance/Lieut. Col. 13th Reg’t Pa Vol.”. The 13th PA was mustered into the service of the United States on the 25th of April 1861, one of the first to respond to Lincoln’s call for volunteers. On the 4th of June, the regiment moved to Chambersburg, and on the 11th to Camp Brady, south of the town, reporting to Col. Dixon S. Miles, commanding the 4th Brig, 1st Div of Patterson’s Corps. On the 14th, the column began to move, the 13th reaching Greencastle the same night and on the following day it was continued to Camp Reily, near Williamsport. On Sun. the 16th of June, the 13th were the first volunteers from the North to reach VA on this line. Returning to the MD line, they were ordered to Washington. On the return march, the 13th was again assigned the post of honor – that of rear guard to the column. Returning to the neighborhood of Williamsport, it encamped in a position to command the principal ford. When Patterson’s army again advanced on the 2ndn of July, the 13th and the 8th PA regiments were detailed to garrison Williamsport, and to protect communications with the base of supply. Procuring the use of the “Williamsport Ledger” office, they commenced the publication of the “Pennsylvania 13th ” devoted to the patriotic sentiment of the camp, and to the more elevated tone of wit and humor prevalent in the ranks. The first number was issued on the 4th of July, 1861, and was continued, at intervals, until after the battle of Antietam, in Sept, 1862, a portable printing-press and materials having been purchased, and moved with the regiment. Early on the morning of July 4th, the regiment was ordered to escort the RI battery, belonging to Col Burnside’s command, to Martinsburg. Engaged in picket and fatigue duty, until the 16th, it moved to Bunker Hill, and occupied the camps just vacated by the rebels, taking possession of their forage and their camp fires, still alive. On the 17th, a forced march was made to Charlestown (W) VA. Nearly the whole distance, over dusty roads, was performed at a “double quick”. At a cross roads, called Smithfield, a halt was made, by order of Gen Patterson, a line of battle formed, the artillery placed in battery, and every thing put in readiness for action. This maneuver was executed with the design of protecting the column against a sudden dash of the enemy’s cavalry, which hung upon the flank and rear of the army in considerable force. The regiment remained in camp at Charlestown until the 21st when it was ordered to Harper’s Ferry. On the evening of the 22nd, it again struck tents, and marched to Hagerstown, whence, on the 25th, it moved by the Cumberland Valley railroad to Harrisburg. Having neared the end of their enlistment, the 13th removed to Harrisburg where they were mustered out of service. Many of these men reorganized into another regiment which eventually became the 102nd PA. CONDITION: Good. Sword has seen hard use and is in an uncleaned and heavily patinated state. All metal surfaces are quite dark with some surface rust. Scabbard has numerous dents. Grip and hilt are good. 4-30362 CW13 (3,500-4,500) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007 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.

.red{fill:#B50938;} .white{fill:#FFFFFF;} .blue{fill:#005596;}