Description
One of only four of the pattern known to still exist today, this massive sword has not only a very unique style but has incredible overall condition. Virtually identical to the favorite sword carried by Confederate Gen. Wade Hampton, this is one of the finest examples yet known of this rare pattern of edged weapon as produced by Kraft, Goldschmidt and Kraft.
This fine edged weapon would be the centerpiece of any advanced Civil War sword collection and is solid museum and investment grade.
It retains the full original grip, wire and lap soldered scabbard. The drag is missing, assuming it ever had one. The hilt has the distinctive notch peculiar to KG&K swords—there is absolutely NO doubt who made this weapon nor of the rarity and condition of it—a 10 on a 10 scale!
You will likely NEVER see one like this for sale in your lifetime, period.
The specifications for Gen. Hampton’s sword are nearly identical to this one (but Hampton’s had a longer blade).
Instead of the standard officer’s sword or a traditional cavalry sword, Gen. Hampton preferred a Prussian style double edged sword with a 45″ blade . He purchased many swords for the 4 companies of cavalry in the Hampton Legion as he financed the unit from his personal fortune.
His sword, like many others from the 19th century, was engraved with the motto : “No me saques sin razon; no me enbaines sin honor”
which translates from Spanish to to “Draw me not without reason; sheath me not without honor.”
Photos of Hampton’s sword can be found in Museum of the Confederacy and from the 1899 book “Hampton and his Cavalry in ’64 “, written by Confederate veteran Edward L. Wells who served under Hampton. There is also an example in the Cody, Wyoming, Winchester Museum and another in the Smithsonian Institute.
Hampton’s sword along with many others for his legion all had blades European in origin and were purchased from Kraft, Goldschmidt & Kraft (“K.G. & K.”) of Columbia, South Carolina, who manufactured the hilts, grips and scabbards as well as the final assembly.
Early in 1861, Peter W. Kraft, a gunsmith, and his brother, H.F. Kraft, a jeweler (both of Columbia) joined in forces to form the sword making firm of Kraft, Goldschmidt & Kraft (the third principal has never been identified). The result was some of the finest quality swords and sabres made in the South.
Several types and designs were made. At some point K.G. & K located a number of Napoleonic war era blades (French, Spanish and German). These long straight double-edged weapons were rehilted in the firm’s own distinctive style.
At least three of such swords were associated with General Wade Hampton, C.S.A. One, he carried himself, and the other two he presented to Generals M.C. Butler and Bradley T. Johnston, both C.S.A.
