Very nice Eagle head sword ID to Lieutenant Milledge L. Bates who served in the 39^th Alabama Infantry of the Army of Tennessee from 1862-1865. The scabbard is made of brass and has a nice light patina with some dark shadowing on the lower section. This shadowing is actually the remains of a varnish that was applied to the piece years ago. There are also a number of small dings and dents consistent with age and use. The scabbard has an engraved decoration on one side only. The decoration starts at the throat with a single chevron and continues over the first mount with a scroll and leaf design. Approx.1.75 inches below the first mount the decoration ends with another chevron. In this area is a very nice spread-winged eagle with shield. The wings of the eagle are spread upward as opposed to being horizontal. Above the eagle in script is the name “MILLEDGE LLEWELLYN BATES” and below the eagle in plain numbering is “1861-1864.” Below the date is another chevron after which the scroll leaf design picks up again and carries over the second mount for approx. 1.50 inches before ending in another chevron. The drag of the piece is very thin. The scabbard in this area has a design done to look like overlapping leaves. Just above the drag is another area approx.3.00 inches long that is bracketed by two chevrons. This area is covered with a scroll and leaf pattern design that matches the upper section of the scabbard.  Approx. 7.25 inches above the tip of the drag is a period repair to the scabbard. The gilt and patina on the repair matches the rest of the scabbard showing it was done in the period. The overall length of the scabbard is approx. 30.25 inches.

The blade meas. approx. 1.00 inch wide at the ricasso and tapers to a point. The overall length of the blade is 29.75 inches long. The blade also has a raised center on each side causing it to be diamond shaped in cross-section. The surface of the blade is bright with light scattered mottling. Both edges are good with no nicks. Etching is faint but visible. The etched design is on both sides and consists of a fern and leaf design. The obverse has an eagle and riband at center while the reverse has what looks to be a cannon barrel crossed with a rammer.

The hilt has a very nice cast brass Eagle head pommel with a brass back strap. The casting of the eagle head is well done and shows some detail, especially in the area of the neck. The eagle’s mouth is open and its lower beak is pierced by an “O” ring which acts as the upper anchor of the small brass linked chain that serves as a knuckle bow. The lower end of this chain is anchored to the end of the counterguard.  The grip itself is made of carved bone with linear decorations and a brass ferrule. The bone is cracked starting just below the eagle head and runs downward for 1.00 inch. This is a closed crack with only a tiny bit of material loss if any. There is also a small amount of bone loss on the bottom edge of the grip, just above the ferrule. However it is not readily noticeable. The counterguard is made up from a row of horizontal brass orbs with clamshell ears at center on both sides. The brass parts of the hilt match the scabbard in color and patina. There is just the slightest bit of wiggle between the hilt and the blade. Also, there is a sliver of daylight between the bone grip and the back strap.

The owner of this sword, Milledge Llewellyn Bates was born in Batesville, Barbour County, Alabama on September 15, 1838. His first name is variously spelled in the military record as Milliage, Millage, Millidge and the correct Milledge.  After his primary education he attended Auburn College. It is not clear if Bates graduated before the Civil War broke out but we do know that in 1861 he was sent to Pensacola, Florida to train recruits. On March 22, 1862 he enlisted as a Private in Company K, 39^th Alabama Infantry and the following May was elected 2^nd Lieutenant. Bates was eventually promoted to 1^st Lieutenant in General Order #32 dated March 24^th 1864. The rest of his record is sketchy.  As far as can be determined Lieutenant Bates was present with his regiment until mid-1864 when he is listed as absent, sick to date from May 25.  If and when he returned to the regiment is not known. His name is listed on a role of paroled prisoners at Tuskegee, Alabama dated May 4, 1865. From the military records that accompany the item it looks as though Bates was present at Murfreesboro, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and New Hope Church. Information obtained from Bates’ family and the UDC says he suffered a wound to his right arm at New Hope Church on May 25, 1864 which matches the date his records say he entered the hospital sick. It seems likely that Bates was wounded and at some point returned home and that’s why his name turns up on a parole list in Tuskegee, Alabama in May of 1865. It is also known that he died in Atlanta on January 10, 1926 and is buried there in Oakland Cemetery. Perhaps further research and field work can bring to light more information on Lieutenant Bates.

This is a fine example of a non-regulation sword carried by a Confederate Junior Officer.

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