Klingenthal Combination French Hilt Non-Regulation Officer's Sword of Lt. George W. Kenney - 71st PA Volunteers aka 1st California Regiment - POW at Balls Bluff and KIA at White Oak Swamp

American Civil War

30.25" quill-backed single-edged spear point blade with nearly full-length unstopped median fuller. Blade 1.18" wide at ricasso, overall length 36". 5.5" hilt with gilt brass guard with a large spread-winged eagle in the face and a five branch knuckle bow. Backstrap with chiseled vine motifs and pommel cap with classical themes. Grooved wood grip with shagreen covering and thirteen wraps of multi-strand wire. Spine of blade with script Klingenthal maker's mark. Blade etched with flowing foliate theme and martial images including trophies of arms. No scabbard is present. An engraved silver plaque has been added to the blade which reads: Lt. Geo. W. Kenney/71st Penna Vols./Killed in Action June 30-1862/Battle of White Oak Swamp Va. This sword was previously offered for sale by Norm Flayderman in Catalog #93, then by Dale C Anderson in his Catalog #79.

The sword is accompanied by a large binder of research and information about Kenney, including an original large format salt print on mount, nominally 6"x9" of Kenney in the camp with members of the regiment, as well as an original letter from George C Brown to Kenney's wife dated July 26, 1862 regarding the inadvisability of her traveling in hopes of recovering Kenney's body at this time. An original copy of the 1870 monograph "The Model Soldier - A Memoir of Lieutenant George W Kenney" by Reverend G.D. Carrow is also included. In this the gift of the sword to Kenney is discussed as well as its return to his home after his death without its scabbard. Also included is an original account book that is hand titled "Sword" and "Testimonial to Lieut Geo W Kenney - Sword". Inside on the ruled lines are the names of the contributors who rasied money for the purchase of the sword as well as the amounts they each donated. The inner page is inscribed "Subscribers to Testimonial Sword for Lieut. Geo. W. Kenney."

George W. Kenney enlisted in the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, also known as the 1st California Regiment in the spring of 1861. The large regiment initially had fifteen companies, including L, M, N, P and R. Kenney was the 2nd lieutenant of P company. However, the last five companies were soon merged into the the first ten companies. The regiment saw their first major combat action at Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861. At this time Kenney was captured along with much of his company and they were imprisoned in Richmond, VA. They were released in early 1862 and Kenney was promoted to 1st lieutenant by the Governor of Pennsylvania and was also presented with this sword, paid for by friends who took up a subscription to purchase it. During the Seven Days before Richmond, at the Battle of White Oak Swamp, Kenney was shot through the body and killed.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Previously sold by Norm Flayderman and Dale C Anderson