INSCRIBED U.S. MODEL 1850 FIELD & STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD / IRON SCABBARD.

INSCRIBED U.S. MODEL 1850 FIELD & STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD / IRON SCABBARD. Manufacturer: Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Mass. Inscription: “G.F. TOWLE / SEPT 18TH 1861”. (on the obverse of the scabbard between the carrying mounts). A New Hampshire officer who later served on the staff of Maj. Gen. Alfred Terry, George F. Towle earned high praise for his performance in the capture of Fort Fisher (see various entries about Towle in Rod Gragg’s book, Confederate Goliath. This sword thus is believed to have seen important war service in the hands of an officer breveted three times during the war (for Fort Wagner, SC, Russell’s Mills, VA and Fort Fisher, NC). George F. Towle was from Portsmouth, NH and was originally commissioned Sept. 18, 1861 as 1st Lieutenant of Co. B, 4th New Hampshire Infantry. He rose to the rank of Captain Feb. 13, 1862, Major Feb. 3, 1865, and Lt. Col. Apr. 22, 1865. In July 1863, Towle was detached from his regiment as acting Asst. Inspector General, 1st Brigade, 10th Corps. While on duty as a staff officer he became a close friend of both Generals Adelbert Ames (Division Commander) and Alfred H. Terry (Corps Commander). Towle later wrote “Terry’s Fort Fisher Expedition” Our Living and Our Dead, III, pp. 464 ff. At Ft. Fisher, Towle caried orders from Terry across the exposed beach, an incident well described in Confederate Goliath. As a veteran of 1862 campaigns in Florida & operations against Charleston, SC in 1863, Towle went to Virginia in 1864, and saw heavy fighting under Ames & Terry during the Petersburg & Richmond Campaigns. After the war, Towle entered the Regular Army as a 1st Lieut., 19th U.S. Inf. (Sept. 1866) and retired as a Captain in1892. His sword is of the standard M.1850 Field & Staff pattern, and is 36″ overall, including a 30-1/2″ blade. Obverse of the blade shows typical etched floral patterns with an eagle and shield, and the reverse has scrolls with “U.S.” Cast brass half-basket hilt is pierced with “U.S.”, and the grips are of fish skin, wire wrapped. All metal scabbard is 33″ overall, being fitted with narrow brass mounts 6-1/2″ apart, while the drag is of an unusual “U” shaped design, with a cast floral motif. Blade is etched on the obverse ricasso with the maker’s markings. Ex-Wiley Sword Collection. CONDITION: Towle’s sword is in good condition, and it shows normal wear & use. About 30% of the original gilt remains on the hilt, with the grips & wire wrapping intact. Some discoloration is present on the blade, but no pitting. Scabbard is very good, with a dull patina on the brass mounts. This is a fine, historic sword carried by an officer who was always in the “thick of the fighting”. Accompanied by photocopied archive records, a post war photograph copy and other historical information. 4-55087 (3,500-4,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2005

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
	3308	$3,737.00	INSCRIBED U.S. MODEL 1850 FIELD & STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD / IRON SCABBARD. Manufacturer: Ames Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Mass. Inscription: “G.F. TOWLE / SEPT 18TH 1861”. (on the obverse of the scabbard between the carrying mounts). A New Hampshire officer who later served on the staff of Maj. Gen. Alfred Terry, George F. Towle earned high praise for his performance in the capture of Fort Fisher (see various entries about Towle in Rod Gragg’s book, Confederate Goliath. This sword thus is believed to have seen important war service in the hands of an officer breveted three times during the war (for Fort Wagner, SC, Russell’s Mills, VA and Fort Fisher, NC). George F. Towle was from Portsmouth, NH and was originally commissioned Sept. 18, 1861 as 1st Lieutenant of Co. B, 4th New Hampshire Infantry. He rose to the rank of Captain Feb. 13, 1862, Major Feb. 3, 1865, and Lt. Col. Apr. 22, 1865. In July 1863, Towle was detached from his regiment as acting Asst. Inspector General, 1st Brigade, 10th Corps. While on duty as a staff officer he became a close friend of both Generals Adelbert Ames (Division Commander) and Alfred H. Terry (Corps Commander). Towle later wrote “Terry’s Fort Fisher Expedition” Our Living and Our Dead, III, pp. 464 ff. At Ft. Fisher, Towle caried orders from Terry across the exposed beach, an incident well described in Confederate Goliath. As a veteran of 1862 campaigns in Florida & operations against Charleston, SC in 1863, Towle went to Virginia in 1864, and saw heavy fighting under Ames & Terry during the Petersburg & Richmond Campaigns. After the war, Towle entered the Regular Army as a 1st Lieut., 19th U.S. Inf. (Sept. 1866) and retired as a Captain in1892. His sword is of the standard M.1850 Field & Staff pattern, and is 36″ overall, including a 30-1/2″ blade. Obverse of the blade shows typical etched floral patterns with an eagle and shield, and the reverse has scrolls with “U.S.” Cast brass half-basket hilt is pierced with “U.S.”, and the grips are of fish skin, wire wrapped. All metal scabbard is 33″ overall, being fitted with narrow brass mounts 6-1/2″ apart, while the drag is of an unusual “U” shaped design, with a cast floral motif. Blade is etched on the obverse ricasso with the maker’s markings. Ex-Wiley Sword Collection. CONDITION: Towle’s sword is in good condition, and it shows normal wear & use. About 30% of the original gilt remains on the hilt, with the grips & wire wrapping intact. Some discoloration is present on the blade, but no pitting. Scabbard is very good, with a dull patina on the brass mounts. This is a fine, historic sword carried by an officer who was always in the “thick of the fighting”. Accompanied by photocopied archive records, a post war photograph copy and other historical information. 4-55087 (3,500-4,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2005 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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