Catalog Auction info Auction #152 - Two-Day Sale, November 21st & 22nd (#152) 11/21/2026 9:00 AM EST Starts Ending 11/21/2026 9:00 AM EST Auction Info Lot #421 Fine Ridabock & Company Non-Regulation High Grade Presentation Sword Presented To Capt. Charles E. Irvin 11th Georgia Light Artillery Click image to enlarge PreviousNextSimilar Items Estimate: $2,500 - $4,000 Starting: $1,800 Description Description: This is a lovely presentation-grade sword from Ridabock & Co presented to Capt. Charles Edgar Irvin by his men of the "Irvin Guards" (Co. A 9th Georgia Infantry). The blade is 31" with an overall length of 38". The blade itself is diamond in cross-section and features a presentation on its obverse with numerous martial designs on its reverse side with panoplies of arms, Lady Liberty with shield, charging cavalrymen on horseback and a camp scene with cannon in background; amusingly the center of the sword shows a capital "U.S.". There are generous traces of original gilt within the etched recesses while the balance has toned to a very pleasing pewter patina with some scattered spots of light oxidation more prominent at the tip. The presentation reads "Presented to Our Beloved Capt. Charles E. Irvin As a Small Token of Our Love and Esteem by the Irvin Guards Washington Ga November 1889". The hilt shows an ornate cast and chiseled counterguard with a federal eagle surmounting panoplies of arms, olive branches and accented with rococo scroll. The dual branch guard is no-less ornate with flowing rococo scroll, floral and foliate decoration and interestingly, coiled snakes at each end of the branched guards. The heart-shaped pommel has cast-in-relief breastplate and helmet flanking medieval weapons. The grip proper is ribbed silver wound with a beaded gilt wrap, fully intact. The entire hilt retains much original gilt with the sharp edges and high points of the cast design showing tarnishing to a dull ocher. The guards themselves are slightly compressed showing small cracks at their roots but it is likely that some professional attention could return them to their original positions. The scabbard rates excellent with all of its original nickel plating intact showing only some very minor oxidation near the tip. The throat, hanger, and tip chape are all cast in flowing rococo scroll and pierced, all retaining generous amounts of original gilt. The scabbard itself is somewhat wavy and could be straightened if one wished, it is unobtrusive. The Irvin Guards were a Wilkes County Georgia Regiment raised by Isaiah Tucker Irvin, father of Charles E. Irvin. Charles enlisted as a private at about age 16 in the Irvin Guards. This company was formed as Co. A, 9th Regiment Georgia Volunteer Infantry, the unit was selected for conversion into an artillery company, and relieved from duty 12 December 1861. On 13 December 1861 it became Co. E, 11th Battalion Georgia Volunteer Artillery. It later became then 2nd Co. C, 11th Battalion Georgia Volunteer Artillery in October 1862. Charles E. Irvin was promoted to sergeant in Company C. of the 11th Battalion light artillery and later promoted to second lieutenant in June 1864 in that same unit; he would finish the war with the rank of captain. Immediately following the surrender at Appomattox, Capt. Irvin was instrumental in helping Confederate Gen. Robert Toombs escape capture by Union forces. As Union forces converged on Washington, Georgia to arrest General Toombs it was Irvin who led him through wilderness and guided him to safety and hiding, the two eventually making it to New Orleans in November where the general took a steamer for Cuba and then to France. Toombs eventually returned to the United States via Canada in 1867 but never asked the president for a pardon, never regained his U.S. citizenship nor his ability to vote. Many accounts of the two men's harrowing exploits while hiding and running from Yankee pursuers were published upon Charles Irvin's death, he was considered by many to be a hero, not only for his war-time exploits but also his post-war service in aiding the general. A wonderful high-grade presentation sword given to a celebrated Confederate hero by his loyal men, doubtless at some reunion encampment when Irvin would have been about 45 years of age. (D12498-5) (2500/4000) Categories: Edged Weapon Terms and conditions TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE The following paragraphs represent the terms under which all sales by Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. are conducted. Bidding on any item in the sale indicates the bidder’s full acceptance and understanding of all terms and conditions of sale. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. has taken great care in the preparation of the descriptions in this catalog. Although we believe everything in the descriptions to be true, we do not guarantee any part of any description. We recommend that the bidders view the items in person and form their own opinions as to condition, originality, origin, etc. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will consider all requests for refunds. If a customer is unhappy with a purchase, we will be happy to discuss a remedy with them. All requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of the sale date. Therefore, it is important that absentee bidders pay for their items in a timely fashion. All requests for refunds received after 30 days of the sale date will not be considered. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. reserves the right to reject any bid in order to protect our consignor’s interests. PAYMENT POLICY All invoices are payable upon receipt. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will accept cash, check, wire transfer, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express as payment for items purchased. 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NOTE: Items that meet the age requirements but have been altered from their original configuration may NOT be delivered on a C&R License. SAFETY WARNING Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. does not warranty the safety of any article it sells. Therefore, it is imperative that, before you use any firearm, purchased here or anywhere else, you have it examined by a qualified gunsmith to determine whether or not it is safe to use. SHIPPING • Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will make every effort to ship items in a timely fashion. All items, with the exception of Modern and C&R handguns, are shipped via UPS Ground unless other arrangements have been made. All merchandise is shipped Signature Required. • All Modern and C&R handguns are shipped via UPS Next Day Air service. • Buyer is responsible for any and all shipping charges and for insurance on the items being shipped. Purchasers who self-insure can forego insurance charges if Amoskeag Auction is notified of your intent to self-insure. PICKING UP MERCHANDISE • Pickup will be by appointment only. • OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY FOLLOWING THE SALE. No merchandise will be delivered on those days. We will resume normal business hours on Wednesday. • Our office hours are Monday through Friday - 8:00 am to 4:00pm.
