This desirable confederate sword is broadly patterned after the American Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber. The Model 1840 pattern was widely copied by Southern bladesmiths. No maker's marks are present on the blade; however, swords with these distinctive wooden scabbards have been attributed to both H. Marshall & Company of Atlanta, G.A., and Kraft, Goldschmidt & Kraft of Columbia, S.C.; both were noted purveyors of armaments to the Confederacy. A similar sword and scabbard is pictured as figure 4b in "American Swords from the Philip Medicus Collection" by Norm Flayderman and identified as made by Marshall & Co. Albaugh in "Confederate Edged Weapons" on pages 137-138 discusses these scabbards and swords and notes these swords have been said to originate in Columbia, S.C., but have not been definitively linked to a maker. Overall length is 40 1/2 inches. The 35 inch lightly curved single fuller blade has a flat spine. The hilt is brass construction with a two branch guard, helmet-style pommel, and a thick, straight grip with a leather and single strand wire wrap. The scabbard body is constructed from two pieces of hardwood, an iron throat, mid band and tip; and darkened brass suspension bands and drag.

Good. The blade shows a mixed gray patina, a few rough spots, and tiny areas of pitting. The hilt shows a deep, antique color, a few light scuffs, and tears on the leather. The scabbard is also good with some old cracks stabilized with brass pins and over 50% of the period black paint finish on the furniture. Writer cannot recall another example, other than this one ever being offered by our auction company!