3037 RARE & STRIKING THOMAS, GRISWOLD “FORT” HILT STAFF

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This item SOLD at 2022 Nov 06 @ 11:58UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 15,000.00 USD
Estimated at 30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD

OFFICER SWORD PRESENTED TO “ CAPT. JNO SAFFARRANS, 2ND TENNESSEE. You won’t find a more stunning presentation of very rare Confederate sword retaining much original gold wash on hilt and scabbard. Hilt exhibits pierced floral decoration around a central “brick fort”. 29.5” Blade maker marked “ “TG&CO / NO” on ricasso though top line weakly struck. 20” Etched panels have patriotic themes including: script “CS” in ribbon, Confederate flag, crossed cannon, cotton, acorns, and oak leaves. Scabbard is solid brass unique to Griswold with brass mounts with raised spots on ring bands. Presentation reads in fancy script “Capt. Jno L. Saffarrans / From his Friends / in honor of his service at / the Battle of Belmont / Memphis Feby. 22nd 1862”. Jonathan L. Saffarans was 55 years old when war began and entered service as captain Company I, 2nd Tennessee Infantry, later Provost Marshall of Memphis appointed by General Beauregard, a post he remained till surrender of Memphis June 6, 1862. CONDITION: very good-fine, leather in grip is scuffed but 95% intact with chipping, tight twisted wire wrap. Blade is gray with well defined etched panels. Scabbard and hilt both retain much of their original gold wash, drag has no gold and was missing when found. A correct style drag has been on sword at least 50 years according to accompanying letters of provenance.
PROVENANCE: John Hammer Collection / Don Tharpe Collection, 1985 / Bill Ivey Collection 2000 (02-17386/JS). $30,000-50,000.