German Silver Gripped Officers Sword Inscribed to Isaiah Conley - 101st PA Infantry - POW and Prison Escapee
American Civil War
30.5" slightly curved single-edged spear point blade, 36.25" in overall length. 5.5" hilt with cast brass guard and cast German silver grip with grooves and cast faux twisted wire wrap. Blade with minute traces of etching and no identifying marks but stamped 22 on the spine. The sword is accompanied by its brass mounted leather scabbard that is well worn and missing the drag. The upper mount is engraved Lieutenant/Isaiah/Conley. A large binder of research and information about Conley is included.

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.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

Good. Blade cleaned with a mottled and oxidized gray patina and retaining essentially no etching. Blade somewhat loose in hilt. Guard cleaned to a golden appearance. Grip with some oxidation and wear. Scabbard well worn, missing the drag and with moderate damage to the leather, making it weak and fragile. The lower portion is likely to break if handled repeatedly.