Originally established in 1798, the Virginia Manufactory was a component of the State's private martial machinery, serving as manufacturer, armory, barracks and training ground for Virginia's "Public Guard", continuing the later functions after stopping production in 1822. When the clouds of war began to loom on the horizon, the Manufactory was brought back online, and its extensive stocks of edged weapons used to equip the new Confederate Army. The 4th Virginia Volunteer Cavalry was a major recipient of these swords, and carried them into action at Gettysburg, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, and several other notable battles. The 4th broke up during the Appomattox Campaign, when all but two members managed to slip through Union lines before General Lee's surrender. Measuring 44 1/2 inches overall, with a 39 1/4 inch, sharply curved double fuller blade, stamped "4, Va REGt" on the flat spine. Fitted with the distinct, punched-through sheet metal guard, copper wire wrapped hardwood grip and the flattened helmet pommel with square fastening nut seen on earlier production examples. A similar blade is illustrated on page 104 of Confederate Edged Weapons by William Albaugh III.