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EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CONFEDERATE “FORT HILT”

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:37,500.00 USD Estimated At:75,000.00 - 110,000.00 USD
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CONFEDERATE “FORT HILT”
OFFICER’S SWORD BY THOMAS, GRISWOLD & CO. OF NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. Overall length: 37 1/4". Blade length: 30”. This rare & desirable product of Thomas, Griswold & Co. remains one of the most highly sought after of all Confederate edged weapons. Thomas, Griswold & Co. was a prolific producer of arms for the Confederacy and grew out of the dissolution of Hyde & Goodrich in August of 1861. The unprecedented number of arms manufactured by the firm is rendered even more amazing by the fact they were in business for less than a year w/ production being terminated in April of 1862 w/ the capture of New Orleans by Union forces. There are 2 theories as to the castle depicted on the guard of the sword. Some believe it to be a rendition of Fort Sumter, others believe it may be a depiction of Fort Proctor near New Orleans. Fort Proctor was constructed in the 1850s and is sometimes referred to as Fort Beauregard after P.G.T. Beauregard, a famous Confederate general, who oversaw construction of the fort. The blade is etched over 2/3 of its length w/ various foliate & military motifs. One side of the blade features crossed cannons along w/ a spray of arms & flags. The other side has a large gothic style “C. S. “. Gilded brass hilt w/ a down turned guard w/ pierced foliate decoration that includes a central castle motif. The top of the guard is decorated w/ similar foliate forms along w/ 2 large flowers. A single branch knuckle bow divides just before entering the pommel. The stepped ovate pommel is decorated on the lower edge w/ laurel leaves. Wire wrapped leather grip. Gilded brass mounted, leather covered, brass scabbard. Scabbard rings on the top & middle mount are surrounded w/ a simulated beaded motif & support 2 brass suspension rings. Plain brass tip & drag. This scabbard features an interesting & somewhat unique construction technique in that the scabbard body is made of solid brass, as all Thomas, Griswold & Co. swords were, the scabbard was then covered w/ leather between the mounts. This technique yields a much stronger scabbard capable of withstanding extended field use but remaining visually attractive for the officer. CONDITION: the blade exhibits a medium to light gray, slightly mottled patina. The etching remains quite distinct & attractive to the eye. The hilt retains only traces of original gilding but the overall motif remains quite sharp & visually impactful. The leather on the grip generally shows light wear w/ a few high spots being worn through. Wire is complete. Scabbard mounts show traces of original gilded finish coupled w/ a deep, rich, dark mustard patina. The drag has a few scattered, shallow dents. Leather shows expected scuffs & scrapes w/ no major losses. The leather has shrunk slightly from the edges of the mounts revealing the solid brass scabbard beneath. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic swords produced by Thomas, Griswold & Co. of New Orleans. It is estimated that there are fewer than 20 of these swords in existence & the vast majority are in public collections. (02-14716/BF). $75,000-110,000.