Captain Charles F. Fisher of the 6th North Carolina Infantry "Bloody South" carried an identical sword with identical scabbard which is part of the North Carolina Museum of History. These patented scabbards must have been imported in small amounts as few are known. This is no doubt the singularly most popular of all Confederate officer's swords. This pattern with cast letters "CSA" forming the hilt was made by the Confederate States Armory in Kenansville, NC. This efficient and large sword manufacturing operation was run by Louis Froelich. The 2009 text by John McAden & Chris Fonvielle Louis Froelich: Arms-Maker to the Confederacy shows identical examples and explains the evolution of the Wilmington Sword Factory to one of the largest Confederate manufacturers of edged weapons and accoutrements, the "Confederate States Armory". Sword hilt has Roman numeral cut into hilt "XXXXIX". McAden does not show this patent scabbard in his book, as this is only the second example to have surfaced. SIZE: CONDITION: 32" blade is very good overall with scattered areas of staining and light pitting. Hilt retains deep chocolate colored patina with portion of its protective leather washer. Grip is 95%+ intact with some chipping near pommel where pommel is bent on right side. Sword appears to have been dropped on its pommel as it is scuffed and lost patina in that area. Orig thin wire wrap is intact and tight. Scabbard has Paris maker mark stamped on drag in cartouche. Scabbard is sound and functional with iron patina. Scattered areas of rust and pitting. Top section of scabbard retains traces of orig black finish, scabbard fits sword quite snugly and well. 50890-1 JS (12,000-15,000)