This rare Confederate D-guard short sword is very similar in design to the very rare New Orleans made Cook & Brothers marked hangers. 25" overall, 20-3/4" blade, .30" thick at ricasso, 1-1/8" wide. There is at least one other example known with ribbed grip and heavy cast D-guard knucklebow. There are other brass ribbed guard knives known with deep South histories, thought by some collectors to have been made in New Orleans or even Memphis. Regardless this unique example retains scabbard and over-the-shoulder sling and was believed to be a possible Memphis product by Mr. Ashworth. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Blade is gray with old sharpening, pitting and staining. Tip is rounded. Scabbard appears to be possibly a re-utilized bayonet scabbard though it fits knife well with contemporarily added cotton sling which has been torn at top, overall about 50" long, 1-3/4" wide, very similar to material seen on other Confederate accouterments such as slings for canteens, rifles or cartridge boxes. Guard has old pounding on top and is now slightly bent. Hilt, guard and scabbard mounts have mottled brass patina in varying shades of mustard, red copper and chocolate. 50185-6 JS (8,000-12,000)