Historical Weapons – A Specialist’s Primer
Abridged from Mr. Wiley’s Sword’s comments in the James Julia Auction catalogue for the sale of his collection.
Historically identified weapons are among the most significant artifacts of the American past. They are also among the rarest. It is estimated that less than one per cent of antique (pre-1898) collector arms have significant identification as to their contemporary period usage. Typically inscribed, or documented by valid means to a specific person or entity, historic arms generally enable a personalized association with the past. Indeed, these arms reflect a distinct, added “dimension” in relating an old artifact to events of the past.
Of those arms classified as “historical” there are two major categories; sometimes both are combined in one weapon: (1) Historically Identified: these arms have a valid specific identification as the property of known individuals, military units, or certain select organizations or entities; and (2) Historical Use: these arms have valid identification (beyond any specific identified ownership) as to their participation in precise historic events.
Historically identified weapons can be of a variety of types and of divergent historic significance. Many fancy, highly embellished presentation weapons, for example, are encompassed in this category. On the other hand, historical use weapons tend to be the less expensive models devoid of fancy embellishment that were appropriate for use “in the field.” Also, certain wear patterns or evidence of usage is generally apparent, often to the point where worn condition is often a criteria for establishing historic use. A sword carried in active Civil War service, for example, can be expected to show nicks and dings on the drag, and if worn in mounted service for a lengthy period, chiseled mounts and/or elongated carrying rings. A revolver carried for long periods in a leather belt holster may show muzzle wear, or worn surfaces at such obvious contact points as the cylinder and grips. Well used rifles or rifle muskets will generally not only show nicks and dings to the stock, but wear and discoloration of the wood from exposure to the elements, and perhaps other signs of active use (such as personalized “initials” if a Confederate arm).
Limited Historical Associations: There are various degrees of historical identification: for example, a Civil War weapon whose serial number is traced by its issue to a specific regimental unit may have a “limited” historical association, since it may be impossible with existing records to relate that weapon to a specific soldier. In this case, a valid historical identification is nonetheless established. Other “gray areas” of historical identification often exist, such as the date of possession or ownership for a personally inscribed arm that is otherwise not serially numbered or dated. Placing the history of the individual in context with other evidence such as condition, wear patterns, and manufacturing dates, can yield important clues.
Authenticity: The appropriate manner and style of inscriptions are of much importance in evaluating authenticity for all antique historical arms, and while there are varied forms of documentation for a non-inscribed arm, the authentication of an historical arm should rest on various pertinent factors. Some important considerations are: date of manufacture (often traced or approximated by a serial number), technical evaluation of an inscription, validity of accompanying documentation and the general context of the weapon as related to the individual or a military unit.
Provenance: The previous ownership of a weapon is of much importance, and this aspect should be investigated, along with maintaining detailed records as a permanent adjunct of the artifact. Serial numbers and other unique aspects should be identified and utilized at all times in perpetuating meaningful information for future generations of collectors.
Rarity: Historical “battle related” arms are among the most significant artifacts of our nation’s past. Those weapons linked to use in the key, dramatic events of American history are true survivors of the actual event itself. Unfortunately, the identity for all but a very few of these surviving “weapons participants” has been lost. America’s few identifiable battle associated weapons are truly among the rarest of all collector’s arms. As an example, Gettysburg related arms provide a significant insight, based upon simple statistics. Number of officers and enlisted men Union and Confederate present at the Battle of Gettysburg:173,398 (source: Thomas L. Livermore, “Numbers & Losses in the Civil War”, Bloomington, Indiana, 1957, 102-103) Number of effectives in the battle estimated at 90% = 156,058. Number of surviving small arms from those engaged, estimated at = 25% 39,014. Number of identifiable small arms from those surviving, estimated @ 1% = 390. Although these figures are conceptual, they serve as a fair representation of the comparative rarity of these arms in relation to many mint or excellent condition arms that are highly prized by collectors as “unusually scarce finds.” By providing the means of bringing personal episodes of the past into graphic view, “historical use” arms can become a valid form of preserved history as well as merely existing as a visually pleasing antique artifact. Being a catalyst of detailed investigation, such arms promote a direct bond with the personalized past, and endure as irreplaceable “windows in history” for all generations of Americans.