Bidders are gearing up for an auction at Fleischer’s Auctions in Ohio next week, where they will have the opportunity to bid on the sword of General William Tecumseh Sherman, a prominent Union general during the Civil War. The sword, likely used between 1861 and 1863, is just one of many items up for auction, including Sherman’s rank insignia, family Bible, and annotated copy of Ulysses S. Grant’s memoirs. Sherman, a West Point graduate, played a crucial role in the Civil War and his capture of Atlanta helped secure President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection in 1864.
Sherman’s famous “March to the Sea” in 1864, culminating in the capture of Savannah, was a significant blow to Confederate morale and played a key role in the Union’s victory in the Civil War. Adam Fleischer, president of the auction house, emphasized the importance of Sherman’s contributions to history, noting that without him, the outcome of the war may have been very different. The estimated sales price for Sherman’s sword is between $40,000-$60,000, with the entirety of his collection potentially selling for as high as $300,000.
The relics being auctioned off were provided by Sherman’s direct descendants, adding a personal touch to the items up for sale. In addition to Sherman’s items, the auction also includes a variety of other historical relics, such as a document signed by Benjamin Franklin, a “free” badge issued to a formerly enslaved person, and the scrapbook of a Tuskegee Airman. This diverse collection of items offers bidders the opportunity to own a piece of history and connect with the past in a unique way.
Fleischer emphasized the lasting impact of the Civil War on American history, noting that Sherman’s actions during the war continue to shape the nation to this day. By removing Sherman from history, Fleischer suggested that the war could have had a very different outcome, highlighting the significance of Sherman’s contributions to the Union’s victory. Bidders at the auction will have the chance to own a piece of this history and contribute to the preservation and remembrance of this pivotal moment in American history.
The upcoming auction at Fleischer’s Auctions promises to be a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts and collectors to acquire rare and significant historical items, including General William Tecumseh Sherman’s wartime sword. With a variety of relics up for auction, ranging from documents signed by Benjamin Franklin to personal effects of a Tuskegee Airman, the auction offers a diverse selection of items that reflect different aspects of American history. By participating in the auction, bidders have the chance to own a tangible piece of history and contribute to the ongoing remembrance and preservation of the Civil War era and its lasting impact on the nation.
