Lot 174: James Conning Confederate Foot Officer's Sword with Scabbard

James Conning, located at Dauphin and Water Streets, in Mobile, Alabama, produced an array of edged weapons for the State of Alabama during the Civil War as well a higher grade swords like this one for Confederate officers. Like his other swords, the edge stops a couple of inches from the hilt, and the blade in the rear section is thick and rounded like the spine. See pages 48-49 of "A Photographic Supplement of Confederate Swords" by Albaugh for another sword of this pattern by Conning. The 30 1/2 inch, lightly curved blade has single unstopped fullers. The brass hilt is decorated with scroll and floral patterns and has some small piercings in the design on the guard. The grip is wrapped with twisted wire and dark leather. The rare original Conning leather scabbard is brass mounted, and the throat is inscribed "Made by/James Conning/ Mobile/Ala" at the top, and the throat piece, lower suspension band, and drag are each stamped "113."

Good with dark mottled brown patina and moderate pitting on the blade along with nicks at the edge, dark aged patina and moderate wear on the hilt, a some loss at the front of the grip and otherwise mild handling wear, most of the original leather washer present, and a tight overall fit. The scabbard has a distinct maker's inscription, crisp serial numbers, dark aged patina on the brass fittings along with some dents, and moderate wear on the leather including flaking. This is certainly a very rare and distinctive Confederate sword that looks like it saw some serious use during the Civil War.