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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — War memorabilia and antiques have a large following. Collectors are always trying to get their hands on possessions so they can feel like they’re holding a piece of history. Starting Thursday, fans of Americana collectibles can bid on a rare Civil War sword, among other items.
The Civil War sword belonged to Eli Houston Murray. Murray fought for the Union during the Civil War at age 17. Before he turned 21, he was a brigadier general leading his troops into battle. Later in life, he served as the governor of the territory of Utah from 1880 to 1886.
The German-made fighter sword has an estimated value of between $100,000 and $150,000. It is steel and decorated with gold. The sword was given to Murray as a gift by his troop who each chipped in $1 to buy the weapon for him after the Murfreesboro battle.
“Every man in his regimen gave a dollar for it, which at that time, cost $1,200,” Josh Levine owner and auctioneer said.
The history of who else has had the sword in their possession and how it got back to the Murray family is a compelling story. In 1938, Eli's Murray's son, Neil Murray, was on a family vacation in Hardinsburg, Kentucky. While checking in to his hotel, the clerk asked if he was related to the famous general. After confirming that he was his son, the clerk told Neil Murray that he had something for him.
“A few minutes later, he presented the historic sword and uniform," Levine said. "More than 70 years earlier, General Murray had been a guest at the hotel after the war ended. He took off the uniform and sword and gave them to the hotel proprietor saying he never wanted to see them again.”
As a governor, Murray is mostly remembered for his strong opposition against polygamy. Murray City is named after him.
Other notable items in the auction include books signed by Zane Grey and quilts signed by former U.S. presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and Chester A. Arthur.
The auction begins at 12 p.m. Thursday and lasts three days. For more information, visit the auction's website.
Carlos is a student at Utah Valley University and currently works as a news writing intern for KSL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Car1osBaquerizo or email him at carlosbaquerizo@ymail.com.
