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VERY FINE CONFEDERATE JAMES CONNING FOOT OFFICER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
VERY FINE CONFEDERATE JAMES CONNING FOOT OFFICER

SWORD. Many Confederate manufacturers made Model 1850 foot officer swords but few the quality of James Conning of Mobile. This is as fine an example of his work you will find as elaborated by 2 renowned collectors who both owned it prior to Cullen Smith in 1999. Jim Harris of Corinth, MS and Don Tharpe of Leesburg, VA both wrote letters of authenticity on it. This is indeed a splendid example retaining much original finish as made. Rarely do you see such strong gold wash still intact on hilt and scabbard mounts, the grip leather and scabbard leather also retain most of their bright polish. Serial number “96” is found on hilt, blade, scabbard throat, and drag. You will not find a better example. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: bill of sale, Jim Harris & Don Tharpe letters. CONDITION: fine overall, blade is gray and uncleaned with staining and light pitting. Gold wash is found on much of the hilt, pommel, and all 3 scabbard mounts. Grip wrap is 100% with original polish and tightly wound twisted wire wrap. Scabbard retains most of its original polished surface with craquelure, there is a professionally repaired weak area or crack just above the drag. PROVENANCE: Cullen Smith estate collection. (02-17235/JS). $10,000-15,000.