The College Hill Arsenal in Nashville, Tennessee, was operated by L.T. Cunningham and produced swords for the state and Confederate governments as well as private sales. Cunningham offered his services to the Secretary of War at least as early as June 29, 1861, and received an advance to establish his arsenal. Production was in full swing relatively quickly but was brought to a halt less than a year later with the fall of Nashville to Union forces on April 1, 1862. This sword and its scabbard are shown on pages 36 and 37 of "A Photographic Supplement of Confederate Swords" by Albaugh and identified as "believed to be a product of the College Hill Arsenal." Note the "C.S.A." etching on the left side of the blade and shown in the book. Like other College Hill Arsenal swords, the edge stops abruptly 1 1/4 inches from the hilt. The very attractive scroll and martial themed etching is the only decoration on the sword. The blade is 31 1/4 inches long with a slightly curved profile and broad fullers. The brass hilt has a high pommel, small branches in the guard, and a leather and brass wire wrapped grip. The scabbard has a browned iron body and brass fittings with some border designs and leaf pattern suspension bands.

Fine with distinct etching with a high degree of frosty background on the exceptional blade along with some darker spots of discoloration and some small nicks visible at the edges, dark aged patina on the brass hilt, moderate wear on the leather, complete wire wrap, 75% original brown finish along with some textured oxidation on the scabbard body, and generally mild overall wear appropriate for a used but cared for Confederate used weapon. College Hill Arsenal swords are very difficult to come by, especially in fine condition, and this sword is definitely a solid representative of one the arsenal's less often seen patterns.