Rare and unusual variant of the well-known ‘Froelich’ or ‘Kenansville’ staff sword made at the self-styled Confederate States Armory (this was simply a trademark and had no official connection to the Confederate government) in Kenansville, NC. The sword measures 37″ overall with a 31 5/8″ long slightly curved blade having single unstopped fullers and spear point. The blade exhibits a fairly rough and uneven surface, characteristic of the unsophisticated production methods common to most Confederate-made edged weapons, with an overall salt-and-pepper gray patina and scattered spots of mild surface freckling and pinprick pitting throughout. There is also a fairly large spot of plum-brown surface oxidation on the ricasso obverse. The hilt, while of similar configuration to the more frequently encountered Froelich staff sword, differs by having no piercing at the top of the “C” in the “CSA” guard, no Roman numeral assembly number scribed into the edge of the short quillon, a smaller pommel cap, and an oilcloth covered grip that retains its original blue buttermilk paint finish. The brass has an overall dull ochre-yellow patina with small surface marks and scratches scattered throughout, as well as the still visible ghost of an oval leather bumper on the face of the guard at the blade ricasso. The grip exhibits an expected amount of surface wear but retains quite a lot of the fragile painted finish, while the original single strand wire wrap is intact. The brass ferrule and pommel have large casting flaws and have developed an overall russet-brown patina as well. Included with the sword is a copy of the full transcript of a presentation given to the American Society of Arms Collectors in which noted expert, Frederick R. Edmunds, gives a brief history of the Confederate States Armory and its products. The article has several illustrations of an almost identical “CSA” staff sword and lists the same features present on this example as distinctive parts of the variant design. Additionally, the sword is accompanied by an attractively aged modern scabbard made to similar specifications as an original. This is a splendid example of a rare variation Confederate staff sword and would make a stellar addition to any collection.
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