Description
This fine example of a 100% SOUTHERN MANUFACTURED edged weapon is one of the ultimate rarities in Confederate edged weapons as only an unsubstantiated 20 known examples exist today! The pattern was produced by Louis Froelich’s Confederate States Armory which was located first in WIlmington, NC, and later in Kenansville, NC.
The armory produced a wide array of swords but clearly VERY few of the staff officer pattern. The more familiar example is that with a large “CSA” relief cast to look like a cut out in the brass guard. As with the other more common type, experts disagree whether or not all of these were actually made by Froelich or if some were actually copied by B. Douglas of Columbia, SC or vice-versa. It is known that both Froelich and Douglas sold blades to Boyle and Gamble in Richmond, Virginia, and the blades are often seen installed in the common foot officer pattern (but with a different hilt). Burger and Brother of Richmond, Virginia, also collaborated with the makers to assembly their products as well.
Of the estimated 19 examples known, only seven (including two dug examples) have their scabbards and all three are slightly different which indicates these swords may have only been produced on demand. Clearly there were not many manufactured as compared the the other type, which is also considered extremely rare.
The scabbard on this one, while a perfect fit and with matching patina, is NOT like the others (which also are slightly different regarding mount placement and form). Since it doesn’t fit the documented pattern, the price has been adjusted accordingly. The last two that sold went for $30,000 and $37,000, by the way, in the past two years.
This fine weapon retains the full original leather grip covering and the single strand brass wire. It would be the centerpiece of any advanced Civil War sword collection ANYWHERE! This particular sword was originally found in North Carolina and was in the same collection for many decades. It only recently surfaced on the market and we were fortunate enough to snag it quickly!
You likely won’t ever see another for sale but if you do, it will cost you quite a bit more, most likely.
