Ohio produced two of the most consequential generals of the U.S. Civil War: Ulysses S. Grant, who grew up along the Ohio River near Cincinnati and William Tecumseh Sherman, who was born in Lancaster.
Sherman is remembered for his military prowess, and particularly for the scorched-earth tactics he employed during his famous “March to the Sea” through Georgia in 1864.
For the first time, a collection of General Sherman’s personal effects, including his wartime sword, rank insignia and more, are being auctioned May 14 in Columbus.
Adam Fleischer is president of Fleischer’s Auctions.
Matthew: Tell us more about what’s in this collection.
Fleischer: We're going to be offering General William Tecumseh Sherman's wartime sword, which is exciting because we believe it was a sword that he actually would have used in combat. It's not a sword that was presented for ceremonial use. The catalog also includes his rank insignia, which he wore after his promotion to Major General in 1864; his personal copy of Grant's memoirs, which he annotated; and a copy of a photo album which documented his famous "March to the Sea" in 1864.
Matthew: Talk to me about about Sherman’s military acumen that he demonstrated during the Civil War and why people are so interested in his life and legacy.
Fleischer: Sherman was one of the most consequential figures, not just in American history or not just in the Civil War, but in American history. His capture of Atlanta in 1864 is widely credited for securing Abraham Lincoln's re-election during that year, which led to the war being continued, eventual Union victory, and the universal emancipation of enslaved African Americans. So, it was really his military prowess that led to eventual Union victory.
Matthew: I understand these artifacts have never been sold before. They've been passed down through the generations of Sherman's descendants. Why are they being sold now?
Fleischer: Well, the family just decided it was time to go. I mean, they've venerably preserved the artifacts for the last 150 years over the course of three or four different generations. And the family is excited to pass them now to new custodians who will make sure that the new generation is able to appreciate them.
Matthew: Civil War memorabilia have always been popular, but is that still true? I mean, how much demand is there for these artifacts today?
Fleischer: Well, quite frankly, the market isn't as hot as it was in the 1990s and the early 2000s with the release of Ken Burns’ documentary, The Civil War. Enthusiasm for that time period was never higher. But there's still an enthusiastic group of collectors who were interested in collecting photos, swords and uniforms from the period, and I'm sure that these are going to be appreciated on May 14.
Matthew: How much could these items go for?
Fleischer: We expect fantastic results. The sword, for example, is estimated at $40,000-60,000. But we anticipate that being a very conservative estimate. Anything can happen at an auction. But if there are at least two motivated bidders, the results could surprise us all.
Interested parties can bid on the William Tecumseh Sherman collection live in person on May 14 at Fleischer’s Auctions, located at 503 South High Street, or online at fleischersauctions.com or liveauctioneers.com.
