$1,046
Identified Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword and Scabbard, c. mid-19th century, brass hilt with wire-wrapped shagreen grip, steel blade marked W.H./HORSTMANN/& SONS/PHILADELPHIA and engraved with foliate designs, and U.S. , and a leather scabbard with brass fittings, the throat engraved CAPT F Buchanan/U S N with an applied star below the carrying ring, blade lg. 31 1/2, overall lg. 37 1/2 in. Note: A search of naval records show a Captain Franklin Buchanan (September 17th, 1800- May 11th, 1874) as an officer in the United States Navy, then joining the Confederacy at the outbreak of the war. He commanded the CSS Virginia , and was wounded in the thigh. Promoted to Admiral in 1862, he was later wounded and taken prisoner, and exchanged in February of 1865, although there is no documentation proving this sword belonged to him.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2015-10-30
