Guns International #: 103085453
Seller's Inventory #: SW1933

Category - Edged Weapons Pre 1900 - Collectibles - Civil War

Category
Edged Weapons Pre 1900
Collectibles - Civil War

"Presentation Grade Model 1850 Staff & Field Presented to Kentucky Captain (SW1933)

Description:
"Made in 1862. 32"n blade with acid etching and Damascus patterns. This is a very fine fine presentation sword to Captain Asa C. Wells of Jamestown, Kentucky. Captain Wells was in the 5th Kentucky Company I. The 5th Kentucky was in numerous battles including Chickamauga, the siege of Atlanta and the entire Atlanta campaign under General William Tecumseh Sherman. The 5th Kentucky Cavalry was a participant in Sherman’s brutal march through Georgia. The 5th Kentucky mustered out in May of 1865. This sword is marked “collins & Co" on the ricasso and dated 1862. The blade is marked “Schuyler Hartley & Graham who likely embellished the sword for presentation grade. This sword is in very fine condition with gold plated mounts. The scabbard was browned and retains most of its original finish. One of the bands on the scabbard has an escutcheon with the presentation that reads “Presented/ To/ Capt. A. C. Wells/ by Co I/ 5th Ky Cav/ as a token/ of their/ Regards" The blade maintains its acid etching and is completely legible. The blade is not completely bright as it now has a very light patina. The hilt is excellent with a silver grip. The guard has the pierced metal US with scrolls. The quillon is an eagles head with ruby eyes. The pommel features the bust of Lady liberty surrounded by flowing scrolls and laurels. The pommel cap has a glass piece encasing a green star. Company I must have really thought a lot of Captain Wells as this is a highly deluxe sword. Captain Wells died in 1886 at the age of 50 years old. His obituary lists him as the county clerk and highly liked and respected. He died by his own hand as he had cancer of the face and tuberculosis. He had lamented to his wife on the day of his death how much pain he was in and how he could not bear the thought of suffering through the deterioration of tuberculosis. This is a truly beautiful sword  belonging to a a very fine man who participated in the most savage parts of the  lowest point in American history.


Price: $8,500.00