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FINE PRESENTATION JAMES CONNING STAFF & FIELD

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
FINE PRESENTATION JAMES CONNING STAFF & FIELD

OFFICER SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. WELLS THOMPSON, 36TH ALABAMA. James Conning made beautiful Staff & Field officer’s swords and this fine example has all the Conning characteristics: assembly/serial numbers “260” all matching on hilt, blade, and scabbard. The hilt is model 1850 with “CS” pierced in floral guard. Original & correct Conning scabbard has braised posts to hold sword rings. Throat is inscribed by Conning: “Lieut / Wells Thompson”. This sword was originally purchased by R.E. “Sonny” Neville about 1970 from Lt. Thompson’s descendants. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: large file of research on Lt. Thompson and correspondence concerning its provenance, copies of service records from National Archives. Copies of 2 reunion photos, and biographical data. Wells Thompson (1837-1914) Born in Matagorda County, TX, his parents had lineage back to Jamestown and family had been large planters since that time. Wells graduated from University of North Carolina in 1859, and earned law degree from University of Georgia in 1861. When war began he enlisted as private in Georgia artillery composed of other University students, serving in Virginia till transferred to Mobile and was commissioned 1st lieutenant May 9, 1862 in 36th Alabama Volunteers, later captain and served entire war till surrender May 1865. He saw action at Chickamauga, and Rocky Face, GA where he was wounded. After the war, Wells moved to Texas practiced law in Columbus, elected as district attorney in 1866 but was removed from office by military governor General Philip Sheridan “as an impediment to reconstruction”. He served in state senate and was elected lieutenant governor in 1869 but like in 1866 was removed from office by Union military enforcing reconstruction policies. He served as lawyer and prominent rancher till his death in 1914. He is buried in Matagorda, TX and his tombstone epitaph “A CONFEDERATE SOLDIER” under his name, no mention of political accomplishments. CONDITION: very good overall, leather grip and wire complete, 31.5” blade is gray with staining, missing protective leather washer so hilt slightly loss. Scabbard is sound with last 2” leather restored, drag appears original to time of use. PROVENANCE: Cullen Smith estate collection. (02-17234/JS). $15,000-18,000.