Ends May 21, 2023
William H. Powell Presentation Sword and Belt
The William H. Powell Sword
Emblematic of a Stellar Military Career From the
Call of Fort Sumpter to the Fort Apache Frontier and Beyond
It is my distinct pleasure here, to introduce prospective bidders to my research related to Colonel William H. Powell and his sword, a sword that I originally purchased in February of 1988 from Victor V. Arcidino, a well-known antique arms dealer from Baldwinsville NY. This sword would be the centerpiece of my collection for some 20 years. It is a sword that speaks to Colonel Powell’s service to his country just as loud today, as it did on the parade grounds of Fort Apache some 126 years ago. I displayed the sword at the New England Antique Arms Hartford Show in the fall of 2005, it winning best in its category. It is interesting to note at the outset here, that the officers of the two troops of the 7th US Cavalry listed in the inscription were participants in the Custer Battle. Captain Godfrey of Troop H, and Captain Edgerly of Troop G.
As you can see by the photos, this Pettibone, Model 1872 Cavalry Officers Sword is the epitome of its type in both decoration and finish, and is therefore strikingly emblematic of Powell’s military career, as you will see in both particular and overview form here. Note also, that it is a common misnomer to relegate such “Cavalry” model swords to just officers of that branch of service. Reason dictates that most, if not all mounted officers, no matter what their unit designation, valued the cavalry saber for its advantageous design. This was particularly true during the Indian War period as can be well imagined, and rank has always had its privileges.
The reader can best be served here by beginning with the Statement of Military Service of the late William H. Powell, of the United States Army as compiled from the records of the War Department dated January 31, 1902. Please note that this is an overview compilation of rank, assignment, and service only, and does not touch on many of the particular details of his heroics in the actions that made Powell’s adrenalin flow like a river. One such case in point during the Indian Wars was his role in the Slim Buttes Battle during the Little Big Horn Expedition. Please also note here that with ownership of the Powell sword you also have the ability to immerse yourself into first-hand accounts of his service as recounted by his own hand, because he wrote and published the history of almost every unit that he served in, a list of which will be included in the file. To those collectors that share my propensity to own such treasures, know that with the Powell sword, your ability to follow Powell’s career as written by his own hand will exceed anything that you have ever owned.
Colonel Powell’s extensive obituary (included here) is also a telling measure of his dedication and service to his country in retrospective form. It is interesting to note that a subsequent owner consigned the Powell sword to the Julia Auction of 2008 where it sold for over $16,000. That was a bargain for the winning bidder back then when you consider the actual worth of Powell’s lifetime of service to his country, his many written chronicles that he left for mankind, and the stellar beauty and importance of his sword, given at the zenith of his active career, arguably, on the parade grounds of Fort Apache. What more could you ask for? Well, with Colonel Powell, the answer to that question always surprises as you will see with his service efforts as Acting Brigadier General associated with Cuba in 1898 and later staging in California with his men for the Philippines.
Please read the attachments and descriptive comments on the sword. Both they and the photos will speak loudly for Colonel William H. Powell.
Don Jones
Historian
Colt Collectors Association
Processing and shipping within the continental U.S $60 plus a 1.5% replacement cost insurance fee. Discounts given on combined lot shipping.
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