3095

FINE “AS FOUND” CARVED IDENTIFIED CAPTURED

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
FINE “AS FOUND” CARVED IDENTIFIED CAPTURED

CONFEDERATE D-GUARD BOWIE KNIFE, CORINTH MISSISSIPPI, MAY 30, 1862.
20.5" overall, 15.5" blade, 5” sharpened top edge to spear point, saber ground, .175” thick at ricasso, 1.75” wide.
Well-made knife by local blacksmith or mechanic is still sharp. Sculpted knucklebow form fits bulbous oval grip professionally carved by “P. S. Duganne / Corinth Miss / May 30 / 1862” above the Confederate owner’s name “L B Wiley / 17th Miss”
Peter S. Duganne (1841-1908) was private in Co. B 77th Pennsylvania Infantry serving 3 years before returning to Pittsburgh w/ this fine souvenir he must have pilfered from Confederate home Mr. Wiley after Corinth surrendered after month long siege.
The 17th Mississippi Infantry was recruited in Corinth in1861 but was sent north in Army of Northern Virginia, seeing all major battles fought in the east. L.B. Wiley must not have gone to Virginia as he is not found in rolls, however his name and unit are clearly cut into grip.
CONDITION: very good overall. Smooth iron patina, “as-found”. Blade exhibits original tool marks w/ chipped point. Grip has hand-worn patina. Original leather sheath is sound, missing last few inches at point, shrunk, missing sewn belt loop shrunk. (02-16732/JS). $7,000-9,000.