This sword matches the example on pages 14-15 of the addendum section of "A Photographic Supplement of Confederate Swords with Addendum" by Albaugh and identified as a staff and field officer sword from the College Hill Arsenal. It has the same hilt style as the College Hill Arsenal sword shown on page 36 of the main section of the book as well. The lightly curved 32 inch blade has floral and martial etching along the fullers and no maker's marks. The brass hilt is very solidly constructed and has a two-branch guard and high pommel unique to the College Hill swords and a black leather and twisted wire wrapped grip. The brass is rather crudely finished which is something noted by Albaugh on some College Hill swords. The leather scabbard may be an outside product and has brass fittings. The upper suspension band is part of the throat (upper mount) like the first example noted above. It fits the sword well and appears to have been with it since the period of use. 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 short production period combined with use and destruction during the war has made the various College Hill swords rare Civil War artifacts.

Fine. The exceptionally fine original blade mostly in originally frosty bright polish with some minor discoloration and oxidation concentrated at the tip and has distinct etching. The brass hilt has dark aged patina and mild wear. The grip has mild handling wear and minimal loss. The overall fit remains tight. The scabbard has dark aged patina on the brass fittings and moderate deterioration of the leather including some flaking. This is a scarce original Confederate sword from the College Hill Arsenal in Nashville. Due to U.S. Grant's victory at Fort Donelson and the subsequent fall of Nashville to Union forces, production of these swords was limited making them especially difficult to find.