Page 47 - 2020 March JOA

by John Sexton

Q: I recently acquired a few Civil War relics. I was JS: The import model 1850 foot officer sword
curious if you could tell me if they are indeed with etched patriotic panels is typical to the
authentic or fake, what the value of the relics market, and similar Civil War examples are
might be, and a bit of history (use, when they may found priced by dealers for $600-$800 with
have been made, etc.) of each relic as I am not so A model 1850 foot officer sword, $600-$800 good solid scabbards.
familiar with Civil War-era relics yet. with a good scabbard, which this one lacks The non-regulation sword is actually a
The first is claimed to be an 1850 infantry foot regulation French foot officer pattern. Similar
officer’s sword with markings on top of the blade examples can be found priced in the market-
that suggests the sword may have been made by place at $200-$300.
Klingenthal, from what my research tells me. Both swords bear the “Klingenthal” mark.
There are also what seems to be inspector marks on Klingenthal is roughly translated as “valley of
the bottom of the blade (two shield-shaped stamps). (above) An eagle decoration on blades” in German. The town was founded by
There are also various etchings on the blade on the model 1850. Solingen sword makers in France and made the
both sides with an eagle on one side and a “U.S.” (right) The model best French steel for several hundred years.
in the center of the other side. 1850 sword from the hilt. Almost all French-made 19th century swords
The second item is claimed to be a non- were made in Klingenthal. Both
regulation Union foot officer sword. Markings The relic bayonet is for a pre-war musket,
on the sword are what seems to be “Maufre de .69 caliber, probably pattern 1816. Similar
Klingenthal Coulaux & Cie” on top of the blade, examples can be found priced complete for
but it’s hard to tell. There are also two similar about $75, although examples with credible
shield-shaped stamps at the bottom of the blade. battlefield provenance can sell for more.
Compared to the previously stated sword, this one The “Superior Quality” CSA button was at
is shorter in length, and the fuller runs all the way Although of French manufacture, one time found in surplus, and thousands of
to the top of the blade. I can’t find any information this foot officer pattern sword is examples exist. I remember back in the 1970s,
identifying the hilt or a picture of another sword only valued at $200-$300. these sold for about $4-$5 each. Today, they sell
with the same hilt. for about $125.
The third item is a bayonet supposedly found Marked “Superior
near Gettysburg. Is it actually from the Civil War?. Quality,” this CSA but- This bayonet actually
The fourth and last item is a C.S.A. button. ton was a great invest- dates to the Pre-Civil
The back mark on this button says “Superior ment in the ‘70s when it War period and is
Quality.” I can’t seem to find any information on sold for $4-$5 because so valued at $75.
Add battlefield
many were available.
that specific back mark. Thank you so much for Today, they bring $125 provenance, and its
your time. retail. value increases.

Q: Hello, John. I appreciate, in advance, any info you can I know this book has been reprinted several times. (I really
throw my way. Many, many years ago at an estate sale locally wanted to read it so I bought one of the 1950s issues just so I
here in western New York, I found a very early copy of could.) What do you think my chances are of ever finding vol-
Andersonville: A Story of Rebel Prisons by John McElroy, vol. ume 2? I’ve scanned Civil War auctions, book dealers, book auc-
1, from National Tribune, 1899, originally written 1879 (as tions, usual sources, etc., and like I said, neither volume 1 or 2
well as another, see below). I trust that you are familiar with has ever shown up.
this book. Thank you very much for your help and time. Keep up your
I’ve looked from time to time for volume 2 but have never good writing; many cheers to you, sir, and best regards.
seen either a copy of volume 1 or volume 2. Would you know,
are they that hard to find. Is my copy is rare? It has 45 chapters, JS: This book is not particularly rare or valuable. An
344 pages, has quite a few illustrations. On the inside, the first excellent site to research similar books is bookfinder.com
page reads: “Fifteen months a guest of the so-called Southern which compiles several rare book sites.
Confederacy. … A private soldier’s experience in Richmond, The cover page to the With a quick look at John McElroy’s Andersonville
Andersonville, Savannah, Millen, Blackshear & Florence. … book featuring this tidbit: published by National Tribune in four volumes, a compara-
By John McElroy, Late of Co. L, 16th Ill. Cav.” Apparently, the “Fifteen months a ble copy (volume 1) to yours is currently priced by one
experiences were related to the author. guest of the so-called vendor at $20.99. The first edition published in 1879 in fine
Tan-colored wrap cover, the condition is pretty good, consis- Southern Confederacy.” condition can sell in the $200 range, but average copies are
tent with its age and composition; few pages have a little stain- less. The 1879 edition was published by D. R. Locke,
ing, no missing, torn or loose pages. The biggest issue is the old low-grade Toledo, Ohio, illustrated with a gilt-embossed, illustrated cloth cover,
paper yellowing (and probably some brittling). Still very readable, for what 655 pages. Only fine copies with no damage bring the highest prices as
it’s worth. offered by rare and used book dealers.

John Sexton is an independent appraiser and expert of Civil War memorabilia. He is an accredited member of various appraiser
organizations. He can be contacted at john@CivilWarDealer.com, 770-329-4984 or www.CivilWarDealer.com. For a free
appraisal of a Civil War item, email a photo and a description to him or mclwriter@gmail.com.

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