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RARE CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE USED SWITCHBACK

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
RARE CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE USED SWITCHBACK

BOWIE/SWORD, 38TH GEORGIA. This precursor to switchblade knives measures 20.5” overall opened & extended, 10” blade “LICOT / MAMUR”, Licot was maker in Namur, Belgium circa 1850. These short-lived defensive weapons are all thought made in Belgium, but only handful marked. A great recent article “Switchblade Sabers from the 19th Century” by Neal Punchard, published September 2021 “Knife Magazine” tells their story. This example has ivory slab grips carved “E. G. Devore” (Devore difficult to read but came from direct family descent). Devore was from Milton County and served in 38th Georgia, 1861 till his death October 1864, he died in Marrietta GA hospital during Atlanta campaign and is buried in Marietta National Cemetery. We know of no other Civil War used switchback sword/bowies used during war. The 38th GA was part of Georgia brigade raised from Atlanta area along with 35TH & 42ND GA. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Copy of letter of provenance from Larry Mealor & noted arms authority Doug Eberhart. Doug lives in Alpharetta, GA where Devore was from. Copy of Switchback knife article from Knife magazine. Information on Eldridge G. Devore (1842-1864). Condition: good-very good overall, complete & functional including switch blade function. (02-16666/JS). $4,000-5,000