Interested in buying a U.S. Cavalry saber? Beaufort museum is selling ‘historical treasures’

Beaufort, officially founded in 1711 and South Carolina’s second-oldest city, can boast more history than most communities in the United States. The seeds of the Civil War were planted here, in a Craven Street home that’s now famously known as “Secession House.” A walled fortress known as the Beaufort Arsenal, built in 1798, still stands, also on Craven Street. It once housed the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery after it fought with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Today, it houses the Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention & Visitors Bureau — and the Beaufort History Museum.

But what if there are too many artifacts, too much memorabilia, and not enough space to display the history trove? The Beaufort History Museum, the city’s official historic repository, decided to have an auction called “A Piece of Our Past,” where it plans to sell some of its most unique treasures that are kept in storage because of a lack of space at the museum. Interested in U.S. Cavalry-issued saber? How about a lesser-known Lowcountry landscape painting completed by a celebrated portrait artist who’s famed works include two U.S. presidents still hanging in the White House? Antique maps? Vintage photographs? Those are samplings of the diverse range of items from the museum’s archives that will be up for bid on March 14.

“This remarkable event offers an exclusive opportunity to acquire artifacts and treasures that will enhance your home or add to that special collection,” the History Museum says.

John Warley, the new president of the museum’s board, said the museum has too much stuff to display at its second-floor museum at The Arsenal and hopes to sell some of it to raise money for its plan to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 2026.

The not-for-profit history museum, which was founded in 1939, is an extension of the city in that it cares for the historical items of importance to the community.

The eclectic collection of artifacts that isn’t displayed at the museum is stored in the basement of City Hall.

“It’s a cross,” says Warley, “between your grandmother’s attic and historical treasure.”

Warley surveyed the archived history one day last week. Some of these items will be sold to the highest bidders later this month.

“Look at this old thing,” says Warley, pointing to a Gatling gun, the rapid-fire, multiple-barrel firearm invented in 1861.

The gun is not the only bizarre item in the collection. An early type of bicycle known as a penny-farthing, also known as a high wheel, stands out. Multiple swords, some still in scabbards, are stacked on a shelf. Warley jokes it would be possible to have a sword fight. Warley picks up another “vicious weapon.” With a chain and spiked steel ball on the end, it appears to be a medieval fighting instrument. Posters, paintings, clothing, dolls, art. You name it, it’s here, although it’s not clear what some of the items have to do with Beaufort history.

But there are diamonds in the rough that Warley says “might have some sex appeal,” and those will be the items up for auction and possibly future auctions.

The saber was made in 1902 by the Columbus, Ohio-based M.C. Lilley & Co. and was standard-issue by the U.S. Calvary.

An original painting of scrub oaks and a beach that may feature a Hunting Island scene should generate interest, too. It was painted by Herbert Abrams. Abrams was best known for his portraits. His paintings of former presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, for example, are part of the official presidential collection and still hang in the White House.

Another landscape by Abrams already hangs outside the City Council chambers at Beaufort City Hall. It’s called “the low country” and features an orange sunset peaking through a break in a round tree canopy and reflecting off of a creek winding through the marsh grass.

The museum had planned to sell this Abrams painting as part of the auction. But City Council members Neil Lipsitz and Josh Scallate objected, arguing the city should keep it because of its value and noting the famous artist. The museum agreed and decided to auction the scrub oak painting instead.

A replica of an etching called “nurse and child” by Elizabeth O’neill Verner also will be auctioned.

Several years back, Warley noted, the museum decided to start an art collection and purchased paintings, “But there’s really no place to display an art collection.”

As president of the museum’s board of directors, Warley wants to vet the unused collection and sell items for which there is no foreseeable need. It’s his hope that the board will agree to use the funds raised at the auction for the museum’s efforts to celebration the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. A room at the museum, he says, is currently sitting vacant.

“We want to have a lights out Revolutionary War exhibit in that room,” Warley says.

It will take $15,000 alone to get the planning started and another $75,000 to $100,000 to implement the plan. The auction will jump-start the fundraising.

A few tickets remain for the live auction, which will be held in the home of Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer, a member of the not-for-profit organization.

Besides the historic items that will be up for bid, those who attend will get the chance to buy exotic trips to Mexico and Havana, an airplane flight over Beaufort and a cocktail party for 20 at the home of Mike McFee, another Beaufort City Council member.

What’s next

The Beaufort History Museum’s “A Piece of Our Past” fundraising auction is Thursday, March 14 at the home of Location Phil and Amelie Cromer, 162 Spanish Point Drive. There were few spaces left as of Monday. Go to beauforthistorymuseum.wildapricot.org for more information.