Original Civil War German Silver Handle Field & Staff Officers Sword and Scabbard that belonged to Isaiah Conley of the 101st Infantry who was a POW and later a Prison Escapee. The sword is in great condition with a beautiful patina. The blade is full length with a nice point. At one time it has some nice etching but has mostly faded away from service. Has a really nice an unique US in the basket of the guard. The scabbard has a really pretty engraving in the brass throat. "Lieutenant Isaiah Conley". Has both sword mounts with rings but the drag is MIA. Has one broken spot on one side and a weak repaired area as shown in pics. Otherwise a great example. Be a fun project to find a matching drag to complete the rig. A great sword with amazing history at a great price. A large binder of research and information about Conley is included. And a book "The 101st Pennsylvania in the Civil War: It's capture and POW Experience. The German silver handle is in mint condition but is loose from the blade and has some wiggle. Very common in these M1850 officer swords and an easy fix if so desired. Please read below and see all photos. Call or write for more information.
Isaiah Conley joined the 101th Pennsylvania Infantry on February 20, 1862 and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in Company G the same day. The regiment saw its initial service during the Peninsular Campaign, fighting at Williamsburg, Seven Pines and Malvern Hill in the summer of 1862. In 1863 the regiment was moved to North Carolina and Conley was promoted to 1st lieutenant on January 21 of that year. The regiment took part in the Expedition from New Berne to Mattamuskeet Lake and saw additional service in and around the state. On April 20, 1864 while taking the town of Plymouth, NC after a three-day siege the majority of the regiment was captured, including Conley. He was interred with other officers in Columbia, SC. On October 5, 1864 he escaped from confinement and along with four other officers made his way back to Union lines. The group arrived in Knoxville, TN on November 13 and Conley was officially returned to duty on December 9th. Conley was promoted to captain on May 18, 1865 and was mustered out on June 25, 1865. Conley died on January 23, 1904.
From the Collection of George Oldenbourg
