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EXCEPTIONAL CONFEDERATE COLLEGE HILL PRESENTATION

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
EXCEPTIONAL CONFEDERATE COLLEGE HILL PRESENTATION

OFFICER’S SWORD, KIA TENNESSEE OFFICER LT. COLONEL JAMES BOTTLES. Classic College Hill characteristic 30” bright “pen-knife” blade, long thin unstopped fuller w/ 22” etched thin foliate panels w/ 4” panel “CSA” inscribed: “Capt. J. L. Bottles / Ball Mt. Guards / 3rd E. Tenn. Regt.”, the finest survivor of any College Hill foot officer’s sword. The finely engraved inscription & crossed Confederate First National flags w/ “CSA” was done by a master, rarely seen on Southern swords. This pattern was made very early in war as General Felix Zollicoffer was wearing one when he was killed January 9, 1862. Nashville fell in February 1862 & College Hill swords ceased to be made. Choate’s Ford, TN was renamed Zollicoffer (now Bluff City) in honor of the fallen general. Ironically, Capt. Bottles carrying the same pattern sword when Zollicoffer was killed, was mortally wounded in a skirmish at Zollicoffer (Choates Ford) September 21, 1863. His gravestone reads: “Aged 38 years 5 m 4 days. Col. 26th Reg. Tenn Vol. CSA" On the battles gory field, When foes assailed our Southern land, His dauntless spirit would not yield, But boldly met the invading band”.
Captain James L. Bottles (1838-1863) Captain Bottles raised & commanded the Ball Mountain Guards, 3rd East Tennessee Infantry at Haynesville, TN in June, 1861. He probably received this sword shortly thereafter. The unit was consolidated in September as Company B, 26th Regiment Tennessee Infantry. Most of his company was captured at Fort Donelson February 16, 1862 after suffering 96 casualties. Capt. Bottles was imprisoned at Johnson’s Island, Ohio. He was exchanged & reunited w/ his unit in late 1862 being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, dying from wounds received while in pursuit of Union raiders at Zollicoffer, TN September 21, 1863. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a small file of research on Capt. Bottles accompany sword. CONDITION: sword is fine overall, grip is complete w/ orig leather & twisted brass wire, uncleaned olive/dark mustard patina to brass mounts & hilt. Hilt has traces of gilt in protected areas. Bright brilliant blade w/ crisp etching. The orig scabbard leather body has restoration & drag is replaced but has matching patina to balance of brass mounts. (02-15399/JS). $20,000-30,000.