Published Ames Model 1851 General Officers' Sword Inscribed from Confederate Col. WW Horton to Capt. PH Thomas

American Civil War

32" double-edged spear point blade with a 30" stopped median fuller. 39" in overall length, with a 6.5" gilt brass hilt with urn pommel, single knuckle bow, wire wrapped grip and dual clamshell guards with the obverse guard foldable. Blade etched with foliate, martial and patriotic motifs and with the central image being US on both sides. Tecumseh with a raised tomahawk is also featured on the reverse. Lower obverse of blade is etched in three lines Ames Mfg. Co/Chicopee/Mass. The folding guard is engraved in three lines: Col. W.W. Horton/to/Capt. P.H. Thomson. The sword is accompanied by its Ames marked gilt brass scabbard that is decorated with floral motifs and with a Spread-Winged Eagle between the mounts. The upper mount includes two suspension rings along with a frog hook and the middle mount includes as single ring. The sword is accompanied by a large binder of research regarding Horton and Thomson, including copies of their available service records. The sword was acquired from noted collector and dealer Don Ball. The sword is pictured and described on pages 223 to 225 of John Thillmann's Civil War Army Swords.

Special Order No. 16 from the Headquarters of the Department of Alabama and West Florida, dated 5 December 1861 explains the circumstances under which these two officers in Confederate service initially interacted. The order reads: "Captain P.H. Thomson Louisiana Infantry, will proceed to Dayton, Morengo County, Alabama and Muster Captain WW Horton's Company of armed Cavalry with the service of the Confederate States for the period of 12 months. He will appraise the horses of the Company and transmit the muster rolls Direct to the Adjutant General, Richmond, VA. On the completion of his duty, Captain Thomson will return and Report to these head Quarters. By Command of Major Genl. Bragg, Geo. G. Garner Asst. Adjt. Genl." A framed copy of this order is included with the sword.

P.H. Thomson initially served in the 1st Louisiana Infantry as a lieutenant, and was later promoted to captain. He served on the staff of General Braxton Bragg and later of General Kirby Smith. W Walter Horton initially served as a colonel of Alabama militia, "Horton's Infantry" which was the 20th regiment of Alabama Militia Infantry and later served in the Field & Staff of the 8th Alabama Cavalry.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Sold by Don Ball