3050

FINE PRESENTED 1861 E J JOHNSTON OFFICER’S SWORD.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
FINE PRESENTED 1861 E J JOHNSTON OFFICER’S SWORD.

This sword is made almost identically including sword mounts & presentation to a sword shown on page 107 of Albaugh’s “Photographic Supplement to Confederate Swords”. The large 9” presentation panel on one side of this sword was purposely obliterated leaving only “1861”. The other side’s sword has identical decorated panel “Jas. H. Branch” in same old English script. This panel instead of name usually has maker’s mark, but most presentation Confederate officer swords are unique. Sword was etched by Florian Herzog who was among the finest Confederate engravers working only 1861-1862, then going into Confederate service himself. This custom sword of James H. Branch is etched on either side of his name w/ lg. “C.S” & panoply of flags over crossed cannons & pistol. It is unknown why presentation panel has been obliterated as the remainder of the etch is quite crisp & fine. Guard is foliate decorated in style of US 1850 w/ distinctive E J Johnson knuckle guard w/ fluted termination into plain smooth undecorated pommel. Carved wood grip is painted black w/ twisted brass wire. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: small file of research materials. CONDITION: very good to fine overall, 30” blade is overall gray w/ well defined etching though as noted presentation panel on one side has been purposely obliterated. Scabbard fits sword well w/ considerable restoration to leather & replacement drag. (02-15781/JS). $12,000-15,000