This is among the most beautiful and desirable of Confederate staff officer's pattern swords. There are probably less than 20 examples known and fewer that are all orig with complete orig scabbards with fine etched blades with full maker's marks. At least one sword of this pattern is identified to a Confederate General, Joseph Kershaw. This pattern exhibits "CS" in a pierced guard of oak leaf and acorns. An identical pattern is pictured as fig. 21-A in William Albaugh's text Photographic Supplement to Confederate Swords, 1960. The hilt, pommel, and knuckle guard are well finished with traces of gold plating. The grip is leather covered and wrapped with a single strand of copper wire. The blade is beautifully etched in 15" panels on either side of foliate and patriotic design including a large "C.S", cannon balls, crossed cannons, patriotic Confederate shield with flags and etched "K.G&K, Columbia SC". The orig and correct scabbard is brazed with brass mounts with a matching patina to hilt. This is a fine example of a very rare Confederate sword and is the first complete and orig example to come to auction in many years. SIZE: CONDITION: Very good overall. 32" blade is gray overall with staining and a "bent" area about 5" from ricasso showing an area where blade was possibly straightened though etched patterns are unaffected other than a few dents & tool marks as can be seen in photos. Hilt, pommel, scabbard mounts exhibit mustard colored patina where gold gilt is missing. Leather grip is dry and flaking but still appears about 90% intact including orig copper wire wrap. Scabbard throat missing one of its two retaining screws. Scabbard body is brown overall, pitted but smooth with discernible brazed line to overlapped construction, typical of this rare Columbia, SC manufacturer. Otherwise sword appears 100% orig and complete in every regard. 52716-1 JS (15,000-20,000)