2254

CONFEDERATE FOOT OFFICER'S SWORD, POSSIBLY TEXAS MANUFACTURE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
CONFEDERATE FOOT OFFICER'S SWORD, POSSIBLY TEXAS MANUFACTURE.
Foot officer's sword you are bidding on is possibly a product made by J.C. Wilson of Houston, TX. There have been a handful of similar swords that have turned up over the years and none have been signed. Many guesses as to maker have been forwarded but I feel, based on various characteristics, that these swords are most likely products of J.C. Wilson, who operated in Houston, TX throughout the war, where only 2 or 3 marked specimens are known. Marked swords have a similar style of etch, similar ricasso and similar color to brass. These swords are often cited to be products of College Hill Arsenal. College Hill characteristics include etching only in the fuller and similar "pin knife" type ricasso, being flat and stopped only at cutting edge and fuller side being unstopped. College Hill etching on known swords is not as stylized as this sword and lends me to the hypothesis that these are not College Hill products. Regardless of who is the manufacturer of this sword, it is a beautiful example of a classic and unique pattern exhibiting a unique solid hilt with two small branches. The 32" blade exhibits 20" etched panels with geometric, floral and patriotic etched motifs which include crossed canons, flags and shields. Blade on this sword is in beautiful condition, rarely seen on any Confederate edged weapon in "as found" condition. PROVENANCE: Dr. Andrew Kelley Collection. CONDITION: 32" blade is gray/white with areas of staining and pitting. Etched panels retain much of their orig luster. Brass hilt and pommel have rich chocolate patina with scattered dents, scrapes and scratches. Carved wood grip is covered with leather, which is complete. Surface of leather is heavily scuffed and only small portions of orig black dyed areas remain. A few strands of orig twisted wire wrap are still found, though sprung. There are also two strands of cord wrap that are retained under pommel, which I have not seen on any Confederate sword before. 4-48849 JS15