GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
EXTREMELY RARE AND FINEST EXAMPLE KNOWN OF CONFEDERATE STATES ARMORY "HEAVY PATTERN" STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER'S SWORD.This exquisite sword is pictured on pages 48-49 of John McAden's and Chris Fonvielle's text Louis Froelich: Arms-Maker to the Confederacy, 2008. There are only a handful of this heavy bladed pattern and this has matching assembly numbers "IV" on hilt and scabbard throat. Sword is much heavier then the standard staff's of this maker, with blade about 1-1/4" wide at ricasso and 1/3" thick, about 1/3 larger than the standard model, though blade is slightly shorter. These heavier swords are known by Froelich in a different pattern staff which is also quite rare with "CSA in ribbon" hilt, but subject sword is even scarcer in standard cutout CSA pattern making it among the great rarities by this maker. McAden and Fonvielle's book tells the history of Froelich and his Confederate States Armory being one of the largest manufacturers of Confederate edged weapons at Wilmington and later Kenansville, NC. This sword is extremely well known and has been in several of the best known Confederate collections over the past 50 years. This sword is in beautiful, "as found" condition, retaining much of its orig red lacquer finish to scabbard and cannot be upgraded. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Ex-Bob Owens Collection, Cypress, TX, 1968; Ex-Fred Edmunds Collection, 1992; John McAden Collection. CONDITION: Very good-fine overall. 30" blade is grey overall with scattered areas of staining, light pitting and a few nicks to cutting edge. Hilt is slightly loose as protective washer is missing. Brass retains unmolested, dark mustard/copper patina. Grip retains 95% orig leather wrap with some chipping at high spots with tight, single iron wire wrap with patina. Lap-seamed scabbard retains unique brass "rocker" shaped throat, two brass ring mounts and iron drag, 60%+ orig red lacquer is still found on scabbard body. Balance of scabbard has iron patina and some pitting, especially at drag. 51539-1 JS (20,000-30,000)