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by John Sexton

Q: I am looking for a fair value on this old flag, and am not looking to keep JS: The 34-star US “stars and stripes” flags became official on July 4th,
this item. It measures 23 x 39 inches. The “1861” in the middle appears to be 1861, when Kansas became a state in January of 1861. The star count on
hand embroidered by someone. Found this at a family estate in Huntington, national flags was not officially changed until July 4th after there was a
WV. The documents date from 1790 through 20th century, but no specific new state added to the country. This flag was official until West Virginia
mention of the flag. There was an envelope that had “Mama’s old flag 1861” became the 35th state in 1863. Most 1861 national flags are sewn and this
written on it. Can you give me a ballpark value? scarce example is all printed and quite large for a printed flag. The material
appears to be a wool-cotton blend, heavy linen hoist with brass grommets,
most printed flags are polished cotton. Scattered holes appear to be insect
damage which generally does not occur on a cotton fabric. I’m sure you
are correct that the “1861” was embroidered and it makes for a very
attractive decorative flag in a most marketable size of only about 3 feet on
the fly. I would estimate this flag for auction $2,000-$3,000, but would
not be surprised to see it bring more especially if the documents from the
estate would tell us more about its history. The canvas hoist is hand-sewn
as is the fly edge, features normally not seen on printed flags.

Q: I inherited 2 swords from my grandfather that I believe are from the There are no American motifs etched on the blade of either sword.
Civil War period and would appreciate it if you could take a look at them American motifs would prove the American market and bring a premium.
and verify if they truly are. If so, could you appraise them for me to let me The shark skin grip was an upgrade over leather. This is an uncommon
know what their value is? I have attached pictures that are hopefully as pattern for America with the solid back strap, but they are found used
detailed as you require but if not, please let me know and I will try to get occasionally by Civil War officers. Unidentified with no inscription and,
better ones. Both swords have what seems to be custom engravings on both in average good condition, similar sabers can be found at auction
sides of the blades and down the tops of the blades. Sword #1 has what and priced by dealers at $700-$900.
appears to be a small remnant of a sash that was attached to the hilt. I have The first Solingen sword, made by the lesser-known maker A&E
been told that Sword #1 with the piece of sash may have been an officers’ Holler, was made for the American market.
sword for ceremonial reasons but no verification of that yet. Both swords are Though difficult to read in this photograph, the maker of the second
complete with the scabbards. Also from what I have been told the swords are sword is “Schnitzler and Kirshbaum, Solingen.” S&K was a famous
from the Unger family and were part of the 7th regiment of New York German maker whose families had made swords for several hundred years
Saratoga Springs. I can not be sure if that is accurate but this is all the infor- and well into the 20th century. S&K-manufactured swords were sold by
several agents in New York and Philadelphia. This pattern is known
mation that I currently have. Thank you for your time and any help that you among collectors as a non-regulation cavalry officer saber of which there
can provide me.

Sword one Sword two
JS: Both of your swords are from the Civil War era. Both are made for are several variations. All have similar values, average good examples with
mounted officers or for cavalry. They are the actual sabers that officers complete original scabbards can be found at Civil War shows and auctions
carried into the field and used as weapons. Officer sabers also, along with for $800-$1,200.
the uniform, differentiated rank. Enlisted cavalry sabers carried by troop- An excellent scholarly text on the subject was published in 2001 by
ers did not have etched decoration on the blade. Both swords are Solingen John Thillman, Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers for further reading.
German imports which were sold by merchants in large northern cities.

John Sexton is an independent appraiser and expert on Civil War memorabilia. He is an accredited member of various appraiser
organizations. He can be contacted at 770-329-4984. If you have a Civil War item for him to appraise, email a photo and a
description to him at: jsextonatlcom.ne@mindspring.com.

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