Blades Gun Collectors Should Love

It may be the understatement of the year to say that Rock Island Auction Company sells a few guns, and if there's one thing that gun collectors like almost more than anything, it's one with real history. Something with a story to tell, that's not just a story - having the proof to back it up is paramount.

For this reason, we are always pleased to offer a wide assortment of swords and other bladed weapons in our world-class auctions. The history and artisan work on these blades should endear them to many a firearms collector, who certainly appreciates the same qualities in their guns. They vary from the battle tested sabers of the Civil War era, to the finest, gilded and sculpted presentation swords for men of great military prowess.  Here are some selections from this auction that self professed gun guys should have no trouble appreciating. In fact, I bet we have a blade for almost every area of gun collecting.

For the High End Gun Collector

Lot 1350: Historic Presentation Grade C. Smith & Son Gilt Accented Sword, Etched as a Gift from Queen Victoria to Don Rafael Carrera, First President of the Republic of Guatemala, Hero of the Battle of La Aranda, with Two Scabbards, Sword Superb and Important Historic Cased Presentation Saber by C. Smith & Sons, Picadilly, London Presented by Queen Victoria to President Don Rafael Carrera, First President of the Republic of Guatemala

Since last week's article detailing the hunting knife of Teddy Roosevelt was more than enough to satisfy this section of the article, this week we'll show you something different. This lavishly decorated sword and hilts were once presented by none other than Queen Victoria herself to Don Rafael Carrera.  Who was he? Oh, just a passionate revolutionary, the hero of the Battle of La Aranda, and the first President of Guatemala. His whole story is incredible to read and this sword is a fitting gift for such a remarkable life. It is a truly a piece of high art and a testament to 19th century master craftsmanship. This historic and beautiful piece would be at home in the most regal of sword collections or even on display in a fine museum.

For the Sporting Arms Enthusiast or Hunter

Lot 610: Virtually Unmatchable Gathering of Eleven Robert "Bob" Loveless Custom Knives Dated to the 1950s and 1960s with Sheaths, Sleeves and an Impressive Travel and Display Case

If there's one thing that hunters or sporting arms enthusiasts always require of their equipment, it's that it works how it's supposed to when called upon. Such reliability requires a certain level of quality, and these unbelievable blades have far exceeded any such threshold. This is a collection of 11 Robert Loveless custom knives from the middle of last century. To the untrained eye, they may look little different than your standard Buck knife, but their quality, rarity, and design significance make them a horse of a different color.

Those who know knives need no introduction to Bob Loveless. For those unacquainted with his significance, an apt description comes from our official catalog description.

"Entering the knife making field in 1953, Bob Loveless is one of the grand names in 20th century American knifemaking, credited as the godfather of the hollow ground drop point blade (now virtually the de-facto standard utility and multi-purpose knife blade at home and abroad), the innovator of using 154CM and ATS-34 steel for blademaking, a founding member and early supporter of the Knifemaker's Guild and a blade designer for Gerber and Schrade...

According to legend, one of the first things that spurred then-sailor Loveless into making knives professionally was being told by an A&F [Abercrombie & Fitch] clerk at their New York store that he'd have to get on a nine month waiting list for a Randall Made knife (the current waiting list for a Randall is just shy of 4 years), and responding by making a knife himself good enough for the retailer..."

Any of these knives would be worthy of an advanced knife collection, but a gathering such as this is for the most accomplished collectors or those who wish to join such ranks.

For the Cowboy

Lot 322: Scarce English & Huber Philadelphia Clip Point Bowie Knife

You love the Wild West. The idea of "prairie justice," right besting wrong, a cool head and a hot barrel. A simpler time appeals to you, and you probably wouldn't mind a ride on a horse if it was offered to you. You likely have more than one Colt six-shooter in your collection and a few lever guns to boot. For you we have this English & Huber clip-point Bowie knife. Based in Philadelphia during the 1830s and 1840s, James English and Henry Huber Jr. got their start marketing a "Sheffield Works" knife, borrowing on the name of the well known English knife-making area. Thankfully, their knives lived up to the sturdy reputation, and the pair went on to enjoy success. English & Huber are also credited as the first American smiths to produce a proper clip-point Bowie knife and were reported by some sources as a supplier of knives to Jim Bowie himself. If you're after a product from the maker of James Bowie's bowie knives, then this is clearly the lot for you.

You can also see our other available Bowie knives by clicking here.

For the History Lover

Lot 1108: Outstanding Historic High Grade Cased Clauberg Figural Statue Hilt Civil War Officer's Presentation Sword

This sword's aesthetics alone are enough to make it desirable to military collectors, but it becomes truly special when one discovers all of the documented history that accompanies this beautiful blade. 

There are more embellishments on the scabbard, guard, and blade than can be readily recounted here, so please click this link to view more photos of this exceptional sword.  In brief, the scabbard is silver plated and features highly detailed and gilded mounts with a large American shield covering its lower half. The blade is adorned to match with intricate engraving, abundant gold wash, and precise acid etching.

Regarding its tremendous history, the most readily available information comes from the scabbard which reads, "Presented to Capt. Jacob W. Clark by the members of the 59th Regt N.Y.V." His service history, time in a Confederate POW camp, and life after the Civil War are all detailed in period documents or subsequent archival research done on the man who received his remarkable gift from the members of his veterans volunteer unit. From the "Bloody Angle" to "Camp Asylum" his story is one that any history buff can dive right into and find tremendously fascinating. 

For the WWI Buff

Lot 3514: Collector's Lot of Two Variant World War I Era D-Guard Model 1917 Trench Knives with Sheaths

Trench warfare, enfilading fire, poison gas, and the advent of military dogfights are all in your wheelhouse. Giant battleships, submarine warfare, and early tanks aren't far behind. You've studied World War I, knows its ins and outs, and likely subscribe to The Great War YouTube Channel (and if you don't, you should).

For you we have this stunning pair of savage trench daggers. This simple device was effective for the up close and personal fighting demanded by the trenches. It was also a fine psychological tool to have something so mean and barbaric in one's possession. These two D-guard Model 1917 trench knives are arguably the nicest we've come across, and you'd be hard pressed to find others in a higher condition. If you're assembling as "as-issued" collection of U.S. gear from WWI, these brutal. stiletto-bladed, Hun-stabbers are just the trick.

For the WWII Historian

Lot 3469: Very Fine World War II Soviet Cossack Shashka Cavalry Saber with Attached Mosin Nagant Bayonet

By WWI, swords were all but entirely obsolete in combat, relegating their duties to ceremony and uniform purposes. That said, there are still some outstanding edged weapons to be found up through WWII (the next section on German military blades illustrates this nicely). This sword is that of a Russian shashka, used by the few Soviet Cossack regiments still maintained throughout the World War II. A note that accompanies this sword (and Mosin Nagant bayonet) states that it was acquired to pay off a gambling debt from a man who "picked the sword up" as a merchant marine in the 1940s.

For the German Military Collector

Lot 3367: Exceptional Weyersberg Production Nazi Party SA Dagger with Hangars

For many, this knife is what comes to mind when they think of Nazi daggers, even though Nazi Germany had different daggers for the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, SS, and even the Hitler Youth. This dagger is an "SA" dagger, as indicated by the roundel on the handle which bears the SA letters on a red background. SA stands for "Sturmabteilung," a paramilitary wing of the early Nazi Party known as "Brown Shirts" for obvious reasons.

Hitler formed this group with Ernst Röhm, who led the group. It initially served as brutish protection at early Nazi rallies, but eventually began committing violence against other political parties, while harassing and intimidating groups they viewed as undesirable. They are largely responsible for quashing other political parties in the early 1930s and helping the Nazi party's rise to power. They numbered over 3 million members at one time and Röhm saw them as taking over the role of Germany's national army.

The army, then the Reichswehr, was obviously concerned about this. So they convinced Himmler, Goering, and Reinhard Heydrich, to conspire against Röhm and the radical SA. They constantly fed Hitler false stories and evidence to increase his suspicions. Eventually Hitler acted against the SA to preserve his own power after he was threatened with martial law by President von Hindenburg. The result was the now infamous "Night of the Long Knives," where 150-200 senior members of the SA were killed, after which their power and influence was greatly diminished.

This dagger is in "as issued" condition and very few will surpass it - a fine addition to any German military collection. As would either of the following:

Lot 3366: Exceptional World War II Clemen & Jung Production NSFK Dagger with Sheath

Lot 3363: Attractive SS/Police Officer's Lion Head Pommel Sword with Portapee and Sheath

For the Japanese Military Student

Lot 3209: Signed Wakizashi-Length Japanese Sword with Saya

This sword could do double-duty in a Japanese military collection OR a U.S. military collection as it is accompanied by its 1945-dated bring back papers. It also comes with some fascinating research completed by the previous owner,such as a mark on the sword which may indicate a successful test of cutting through a cadaver torso just below the pectorals.

Civil War: For the Union Supporter

Lot 211: Highest Quality Clauberg Officer's Presentation Sword Inscribed to a Civil War Veteran of the Eastern Iron Brigade

For all you Yankees out there, this is one stunning piece of steel. The engraving, the gold, the carved handle, the acid etching, are all bathed in a staggering level of expertly applied details. To interest you further, it is a presentation blade given to "Col. T. Sullivan By the 48th Regt. N.G., November 21st, 1871." Colonel Sullivan has a lengthy military career that concluded at the rank of Brigadier General. He was clearly an accomplished military man to have earned such a high quality, and richly embellished sword such as this from swordsmith W. Clauberg.

As if that weren't enough to make it appealing to the Union supporter, the script on the blade reads, "For the Union and the Constitution."

Civil War: For the Confederate Son/Daughter

Lot 138: Desirable Confederate "CS" Marked Staff & Field Officer Sword with Scabbard Marked Made By James Conning Mobile, (Alabama)

Don't you worry Johnny Reb, we've got something for you too. For starters, this rare and authentic James Conning sword. It shows some particularly impressive design work on the brass hilt, especially considering the lack of resources and optimum conditions the South endured during the war. The lines of the sword are also long and elegant, which the hilt, handle, and handguard compliment nicely. As most collectors of Confederate items know, any goods that were manufactured for the war were used and used hard. To find this sword and its scabbard in this condition still make it a solid representative example of a scarce and desirable piece.

For the Curio Collector

Lot 3162: Elaborate Acid Etched and Gold Finished Dumouthier Double Barrel Dagger Pistol

A curio collector, eh?  We like you. You've probably got the type of collection that people don't need to know anything as a prerequisite to gawking at it for hours. Besides being appealing to "regular" firearms collectors, your items also appeal to those who know little to nothing about guns, and that makes you an important ambassador to the public. You didn't ask for the job, but sometimes it comes with the territory. Remind us to buy you a drink sometime. Here are a few other lots you may enjoy.

Lot 282: Unique German Silver Paneled, Finely Engraved Percussion Knife Pistol

Lot 3113: Very Fine Dolne Apache Pinfire Pocket Revolver with Knife

After all, what curio collection would be complete with out at least one Apache revolver? With iron frames, brass frames, engraved, plain, pinfire, rimfire, and several different configurations, the intimidating little revolvers are essentially a collection in themselves.

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How deeply someone dives into their particular genre can be an indicator of how seriously they take the hobby. Many of these knives, swords, and daggers are a perfect compliment to weapons that many collectors already own. Such blades add depth to a collection. They add details, history, and help to paint a more vivid and complete picture of the men who carried them and their related firearms. You'll find these and plenty more in our 2016 September Premiere Auction, or any auction for that matter. Edged weapons are a mainstay here at Rock Island Auction Company, and just as these blades have been present for centuries, they show no signs of fading away anytime soon from the minds of collectors.

See all the edged weapons in the 2016 September Premiere Sale

-Written by Joel R. Kolander

Theodore Roosevelt's Hunting Knife

Lot 1020: Family Descendant Documented Historic J. Russell & Co. Hunting Knife Masterpiece Presented to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt by James W. Gerard with Elaborate Platinum Raised Relief and Gold Sculpted Eagle Head Handle by Dreicer & Co. A Nearly Priceless Piece of American History

To say that Teddy Roosevelt is a well-known, beloved, and important character in American history is an understatement. Though fame tends to find perspective when one's face has been immortalized with granite in the Badlands of South Dakota. TR was admired across the nation. He had a robust personality, gave profound speeches, lived his beliefs, and changed the face of this country forever with his efforts in wildlife and habitat conservation. Whether leading the legendary Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War, embarking on prolific hunting adventures, offering "Square Deals" to his constituents, surviving an assassination attempt on his life, winning the Nobel Peace Prize, or beginning construction of the Panama Canal, the tales of Teddy Roosevelt's life have become part of the fabric of this nation's great history.

Roosevelt in October 1910

It should come as no surprise that a knife once owned by President Roosevelt also has more than a few tales to tell. Its origin begins in 1909 when TR received this national treasure from his good friend New York Supreme Court Justice James W. Gerard. Both men served in the Spanish-American War, but upon leaving the service found opposite ends of the political spectrum. They likely became acquainted in the New York political scene when Roosevelt served as the New York governor for two years and Gerard sat on the Supreme Court bench. The story of the knife's presentation is recalled best in the words of U.S. Marshal Thomas D. McCarthy, whom Justice Gerard had asked present the hunting knife to Roosevelt with the following instructions, 

"'Be sure to get a coin, a penny from the President when you give him the knife,' the Justice told me. 'Remember the old superstition that a gift of that sort cuts friendship unless a small payment is made for it.'

     When I gave Colonel Roosevelt the knife I asked him for the penny. He didn't have one in his pocket, neither did his secretary Mr. Loeb, neither did Senator Chamberlain who was present. So I volunteered: 'Here, Mr. President. I'll lend you a cent.' He took it and put it in his vest pocket.

     After ten minutes of conversation during which time he gave me an autographed photograph for myself and a book for my father who always admired him, the President suddenly reached into his pocket, withdrew the coin and said: 'Mr. McCarthy, it gives me great pleasure to hand you in return for Judge Gerard's gift this one cent coin.' Ever since then I have prized the photograph and the book Mr. Roosevelt gave me is one of the most cherished possessions of my father. And I always have been proud of the fact that a President of the United States owed me a penny."

The knife was considered an extremely lavish gift and wore a 1909 price tag of $1,250, about $33,266 in 2016 dollars. It was such a send off to the nation's youngest president, that it warranted national news coverage. In Rock Island, Illinois, the city's newspaper at that time was the Rock Island Argus. On Thursday, March 10, 1909 they printed at article on the sixth page entitled, "Fine Knife for Roosevelt."  It reads as follows:

"Gem Studded Hunting Weapon Presented to Ex-President by a Friend.

One of the handsomest of the presents that have been pouring in upon former President Roosevelt from friends in every part of the United States who have wished to give him some token of their friendship to carry with him on his African hunting trip is a hunting knife given him by Justice James W. Gerard of the supreme bench of New York city, who is an old friend of the ex-president. The weapon is a masterpiece of jeweler's workmanship, the hilt being wrought in gold and platinum and ornamented with jewels. The top of the handle is carved in the shape of an eagle's head of solid gold. The eagle's eyes are garnets.

On one side of the hilt beneath the eagle's head is depicted a forest scene, with two American Indians behind a birch tree, one of them standing, rifle in hand, the other crouching. The tree is done in gold upon a platinum background. On the reverse side is set the arms of the United States, surmounting a wishbone and intertwining tree boughs in gold. Below is the monogram 'T.R.' The background on this side is also of platinum. Two bears' heads extending out from the handle form the guard at the base of the blade, which is of the finest steel and engraved as follows: 'Presented to Theodore Roosevelt by His Friend, James W. Gerard.' The knife is nearly a foot long and is said to have cost $1,250."

One item of note not covered in the Argus article is that of the knife's creator. That honor belongs to two separate companies: J. Russell and Co. of Green River, New York whose stamp is on the blade, and Dreicer & Co., whose name is printed on the handle's edge. It should be of significant note to collectors that Dreicer & Co, despite being in business only from 1904 - 1923, were a top jewelry retailer and a direct rival to such well-known names as Fabergé. With the split of duties for the blade and the highly ornamented handle, it is unknown which shop performed the acid etched inscription.

The knife has been passed down through the Roosevelt family for the last 107 years. It has never been made available to the public prior to this sale. When Theodore died in 1919, the knife went to his second wife, Edith (his first wife, Alice, passed in 1884). Edith in turn bequeathed the knife to her eldest daughter Ethel Roosevelt Derby. Mrs. Derby intended to present the knife as a wedding gift to her granddaughter in 1976. To secure the knife during her cross-country travels from Oyster Bay to Seattle, Mrs. Derby kept the knife in her purse. However, this was cause for alarm at the security checkpoint in John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York City. Upon seeing this incredible knife and hearing its story, security allowed the knife to be transported by the pilot in the cockpit for the duration of the flight. Upon landing, it was returned to Mrs. Derby who presented the knife to the couple several days later at their wedding. Thrilled with such a historic and beautiful gift rife with family history, the couple immediately used it to cut their wedding cake.

The stories this knife can tell after scant more than a century are enough to endear it to the heart of any collector or history enthusiast. Even without the tales that have truly given this item a personality all its own, its provenance alone elevates its status to that of National Treasure.  A hunting knife given to arguably the greatest conservationist and one of the most well-known hunters of the 20th century? What could be more perfect representation? Rock Island Auction Company is honored to present this perfect slice of American history to the public for the first time in its existence, and cannot wait to hear of the new adventures in which it partakes.

- Written by Joel R. Kolander

Sources:

"Fine Knife for Roosevelt." Rock Island Argus 11 Mar. 1909: 6. Print.

Herbert, Thomas. Theodore Roosevelt: Typical American, His Life and Work. United States: L.H. Walter, 1919. 341-42. Print.

Swords with Incredible Stories

With all the incredible swords in this auction, writing an article to highlight them all is almost a fallacy in itself. Multiple swords discussed below would have easily earned their own article were time not an issue. Alas, with the auction a mere two weeks away, brevity becomes one's ally. That said, let's get down to business and inspect some of these historic and fabulously ornate swords.

Lot 181: Historic Diamond Monogrammed Honor Sword with Case and Extra Scabbard, Attributed as the Property of Henry Humphrey, Maine Colonel and American Consul to Alexandria, Formerly of the Notable Collections of Philip Medicus and Norm Flayderman

Even as recently as our 2015 December Premiere Auction we've seen some amazing swords here at RIAC. However, a sword with diamonds mounted on the scabbard certainly sets a new benchmark in elaborate craftsmanship. This jaw-dropping sword will grab your eye from across the room and not let go until you take a closer look.  Fittingly placed in an elegant case lined with navy velvet, the sword comes with two scabbards. One is a brown, "everyday" scabbard with a body of brown lacquered steel, finely crafted gilt brass upper and lower hooks, and a wonderfully engraved tip protector and throat, both also of gilt brass. It is a supremely handsome piece.

The other scabbard is undoubtedly for formal occasions or ceremonies. All furniture on the scabbard is elaborately sculpted and the whole of its body is gilt brass. Most notable is the center suspension band featuring a large sculpted wreath with "US" at its center, the letters of which are accentuated with 27 diamonds. With the copious engraving and sculpted figures, one could write an article on the embellishments of the scabbard and sword alone! Speaking of the sword, let's not give it short shrift. As one can see in the first photo of this article, the guard is incredibly elaborate gilt bronze web of figures, bands, sculpted "US" letters, and accented gems. The grips are a scale-carved mother of pearl with golden star accents.

The sword was purchased by one Henry B. Humphrey, allegedly from Tiffany & Co., for $270. Little is known of Humphrey other than he was a Maine militia officer and there are records of him being assigned by the president as the American Consul in Alexandira, Egypt in 1846. Some deeper investigation awaits the lucky collector who adds this to their collection. The name of the article may be "Swords with A Story," but this blade's tale has yet to be fully revealed. However, as you read on to see the finely adorned swords and learn of the brave, intelligent, and successful men they were created for, think of this: if those incredible men earned those swords for their heroic deeds, what must have Humphrey accomplished to receive this piece, arguably the most lavish of the sale. I urge you all to view the item listing for this magnificent sword, it truly proves that a picture is worth a thousand words.

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Lot 1068: Historic Cased Civil War Era Ball, Tompkins & Black Sword, Presented by the Governor of Illinois to General John Cook for Gallant Action at the Siege of Fort Donelson

Our next sword is another beauty, but thankfully more history is known about its origins than the previous lot. This Ball, Tompkins & Black blade is a Civil War era treasure and was presented by Governor of Illinois Rich Yates to General John Cook. Cook is the son of Daniel P. Cook, the namesake of Cook County, IL, which holds the city of Chicago. The presentation placard on the scabbard indicates that this sword was presented to Cook for "gallant conduct at Fort Donelson." By 1863 then-Colonel Cook's forces were attached to those of General Ulysses S. Grant as the future president's star was beginning to rise. They had participated in several battles together, including Shiloh, when in February of 1863, the Union forces began the Siege of Fort Donelson, a Confederate fortification near the Tennessee-Kentucky border that limited access to the Cumberland River.



Union gunboats had been driven back by the fort's batteries, yet troops surrounded the Confederates. Often times Union troops would go without campfire during the cold February nights for fear of giving up their position to the Rebel guns. However, after 2 full days of siege, the Confederates attempted to break free via a surprise attack. Cook and his men held an important flank, exposed themselves to incredible amounts of fire, and Cook himself had three horses shot out from under him. The Confederates were remarkably close to their goal, but pulled back to the fort. That night, Confederate commander Brigadier General John B. Floyd and his second in command, Brig. Gen. Gideon J. Pillow, each made their excuses, relinquished command, and fled across the river. Brig. Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner would eventually agree to the Grant's terms of unconditional surrender, giving the Union and important victory. Courtesy of this incredible provenance, the sword has been displayed at several museums, and is accompanied by much research on General Cook, his military service, and personal life.

Gold and engraving abound on the blade and are highlighted by brilliant nitre blue fields. The use of bright and satin grays expands the palette even further while providing a contrast in backdrop for the luxurious embellishments. The grip is sculpted from a single piece of metal and shaped to be a mustachioed Roman legionnaire with his horse hair plumed helmet and uniform.

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Lot 1124: Historic Horstmann & Son/Weyersberg Etched Damascus American Officers Sword with Silver Grip, Sculpted Furniture and Scabbard Inscribed to Medal of Honor Winner Henry W. Lawton, Veteran of the Civil War, Indian Campaigns, Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War

Nearly three years to the day after Cook engaged in the battle at Ft. Donelson, another presentation sword in this auction was being presented to Lt. Col Henry Ware Lawton. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he is often credited with the capture of the Apache leader Geronimo. The Winchester 1886, serial no. 1 presented to Lawton for this achievement is also appearing in this sale. If you've read our previous article on Lawton, you know he was an accomplished career military man and Medal of Honor recipient.

This sword is further proof of his military successes. Besides the fact that they didn't present swords to poor military performers (who were also often dead), the scabbard's suspension bands and tip are all inscribed with Lawton's extensive battle record. They also state that the sword was presented to Lawton "From the Officers and Men of the 30th Indiana Infantry Regt. Vol." The opposite sides are adorned with sculpted brass figures; from hilt to point they depict Columbia, a patriotic motif, and an American soldier carrying a flag. The guard also enjoys many sculpted figures such as an eagle head and laurel branches, which all protect the German silver grip that has been wrapped with brass wire.

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Right side

Lot 3139: Historic Ball, Thompson & Black Presentation Grade Sword with Gilt Silver Figural Hilt and Scabbard Inscribed to William H. Bissell, Colonel in the Mexican-American War, Veteran of the Battle of Buena Vista, and Governor of the State of Illinois

The blade you see above belonged to a man who did it all in terms of serving his country. William H. Bissell began his career as a school teacher and doctor, but was persuaded to go into politics. He began by first practicing law and had achieved the office of a prosecutor in St. Clair County, IL by 1844, but two short years later he joined the 2nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a private at the start of the Mexican-American War. He would quickly become colonel of the regiment and engage Santa Anna's forces in February 1847 at the Battle of Buena Vista where his actions, even in a highly disciplined retreat, earned him praise from top military men. After the short war, Bissell returned home, resumed his law practice and was soon elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Once there his anti-slavery leanings caused him to butt heads with his fellow Democrats, even to the point of accepting a duel from fellow Buena Vista veteran Jefferson Davis.

This sword would have been presented to Bissell after the Mexican-American War.

Long story short, Bissell was upset at remarks made by a Virginia Democrat. He proceded to give an hour long speech to the delight of his allies, but that particularly incensed the future President of the Confederacy. Davis challenged Bissell to a duel, knowing that Northerners often refused duels and frequently took oaths to not participate in them (Bissell was one of these). To Davis' surprise, Bissell not only accepted, but as the challenged party exercised his right to choose the weapons. He selected military muskets, loaded with ball and buckshot at point blank range. In other words, "I don't care if I die, but you're definitely going to die." Several parties received wind of the challenge and attempted to intervene between Davis's and Bissell's seconds, and eventually the duel was cancelled. One legend says that President Zachary Taylor, another Buena Vista veteran, had to personally intervene, while other sources say that Davis wisely "accepted further explanation" of the offending remark and backed down. In any case, given Taylor's brief presidency, we can reason that the said interaction took place between March 4, 1849 and July 9, 1850.

Bissell would hold several more Congressional offices as both an Independent and a Republican (despite previously serving as a Democrat), and even as the Governor of Illinois before dying of pneumonia in 1860. This blade is a fitting tribute to the former Colonel, congressman, and governor. The gilt and etched blade is covered in decorative panels of weapons, scrollwork, patriotic motifs, Greek mythology, symbols of the Mexican-American War, and even a scene over 7-inches long portraying infantry and cavalry marching outside a walled city. The grip and pommel are made from a single piece of engraved & gold-washed silver, with the pommel featuring two faces back-to-back. Read our official description in the auction listing for more details about this wonderful sword.

Each side of the pommel shows its own face.

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Lot 3133: Historic John Bailey Revolutionary War Era Silver-Mounted Officer's Lion Pommel Sword with "ANDREA FARARA" Marked Blade and Presentation Inscribed Scabbard Plate

After some of the luxurious dress swords that have been featured in this article, one might find this sword to be relatively plain. That would be partially correct as this is not dress sword, but one intended for actual combat. It is typical of those carried by American and British officers in the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. What makes it atypical is its superior quality, embellishments, and high condition.

This is a sword crafted by John Bailey who was a well-known cutler (sword/knife maker) in the Revolutionary War era and even had the distinct honor of forging a silver-hilted hunting sword for George Washington, referred to since as his "War Sword." The markings of "ANDREA FARARA" on the blade at one time indicated a superior quality of blade.  Farara was an Italian bladesmith that lived in Scotland whose excellence was known far and wide. Unfortunately, he lived in the 16th & 17th centuries, not the late 1700s. The presence of his name on this blade can likely be attributed to that renowned quality and the prestige that would have come from possessing one of his swords, even decades after his death.

Even though it was meant for battle, the sword still has finer features rare to swords of the period. The sword uses silver for its guard, counterguard, and pommel which is in the shape of a lion's head. This use of silver in combination with the antique ivory grip show that this sword did not belong to just any soldier, but was the property of a field grade officer. One might think the blade to be in "lesser" condition than others shown here, but make no mistake, historical context is everything. In a similar vein, Colt Walker revolvers always saw hard use, and those that exist today are far from one would call "Excellent" condition. Likewise, swords intended for use would have seen incredibly harsh conditions and so to see one survive today in as fine a condition such as this, let alone with embellishments befitting an officer, is an incredible opportunity.

According to the plate mounted to the remaining 6-inches of the leather scabbard, the sword was once the property of Captain Thomas Buchanan of the 1st Regiment of the Pennsylvania line. He took part in numerous battles in the Revolutionary War including the Siege of Boston, the New York Campaign, the Battle of Trenton, the Second Battle of Trenton, the Battle of Princeton, the Battle of Barleywine, and others. After his military service he became the sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. According to the plate on the other side of the scabbard, this very sword was later presented in 1850 to a presumed descendant of General (formerly Captain) Buchanan, Robert Buchanan.

This sword in its fine condition, with its officer-grade embellishments, and links to a documented soldier of the Revolutionary War combine to make it a incredible piece of American history and an amazing collector's item.

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Honorable Mentions

Lot 137: Historic and Identified Emerson & Silver Staff and Field Officer Sword with Scabbard Inscribed to Captain Richard Foster of the First Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, Fatality of the "Bloody Angle" at Spotsylvania Courthouse, with Display Case and Research

Lot 1419: Rare Historic Presentation Royal Navy Officer' Sword to Admiral Fredrick Seymour for his Service in the Anglo-Egyptian War

Lot 1418: Exceptional Weyersberg & Stamm Solingen Production Gold Washed and Etched Damascus Sword, with Presentation Markings, Case and Medals

Lot 3152: Unique N.P. Ames Gilt Officers Sword with Republic of Mexico and American Navy Markings

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I hope seeing some of the outstanding history that is available in this auction lights a fire in you to find out what else is contained in this endlessly educational sale. The best part is, Rock Island Auction Company specializes in firearms, so if we have this much history in swords, imagine what you'll find when it comes to guns! If swords and knives are your area of interest, please click here to see all the lots in the auction containing those items. If history is more your passion, head over to our YouTube Channel or read some of our previous blog posts for more in-depth analysis on a wide variety of items. We can't wait to share what's in store.