Description:

CIVIL WAR SWORD OF CAPT. CHARLES G. CHIPMAN, 54TH MASS. REGT.
An important and evocative personal weapon from one of the most recognized regiments of the Union Army, the Ames Model 1850 Staff and Field sword belonging to Capt. CHARLES G. CHIPMAN (1841-1887), born in Salem, Ma. The sword measures approx. 38 in. long with a 32 in. blade, the blade showing images of flags, a shield, boughs of greenery, etc. with the maker's name appearing near the hilt. There is some light surface oxidation to the blade and a few expected nicks to the blade edge, slightly heavier corrosion to the top of the blade. The basket and pommel are in very good condition, as is the sharkskin grip which is completely intact and still retains its original tightly-wound wire wrapping. The original scabbard is present, and it bears a period engraving at the throat on the obverse: 'Charles G. Chipman Salem 54th Mass. Reg.' The styles of the engraving, decorative engraving about it, and wear thereto are absolutely commensurate with genuine wear and age. The brass fittings on the scabbard are also very good, though the tip of the drag was filed-down at some point, perhaps to clean-up old wear or to accommodate a necessity to clear the ground. The Ames maker's mark appears on the reverse of the scabbard. The fact that no rank appears in the engraving hints that this sword became Chipman's property most likely some time early in his service with the 54th. Overall, a most historic and desirable sword. The 54th Massachusetts was an all-Black Union Army regiment formed after the Emancipation Proclamation. Known for its valor in the desperate assault on Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863, it demonstrated the capabilities of Black soldiers and gained fame through the film Glory. Despite facing unequal pay and racial prejudice, the 54th fought in key battles in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, becoming a symbol of courage and a catalyst for increased enlistment of Blacks in the Union forces. Chipman enlisted in the 5th Mass. Infantry on May 1, 1861, and joined the 24th Mass. the following September. He joined the 54th Mass. on Oct. 24, 1863, after Fort Wagner, but would have been present at the Union defeat at the Battle of Olustee where the regiment covered the withdrawal of the Union forces and expended over 20,000 rounds of ammunition. The regiment then attacked entrenched Confederate militia at the November 1864 Battle of Honey Hill where Chipman was wounded. In mid-April 1865, they fought at the Battle of Boykin's Mill, a small affair in South Carolina that proved to be one of the last engagements of the war. A wonderful relic.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000