The enlisted cavalry sword shown below is believed to have been manufactured at the Confederate States Armory in Kenansville, North Carolina. The name implies that the armory was a Confederate government facility. Despite its official sounding name, the armory was owned and operated by Louis Froelich. An argument can also be made that this is a Boyle & Gamble, note the blade flaw.

Chris Calkins was chief of interpretation at Petersburg National Battlefield and the author of a dozen books, after 34 years in the National Park Service. Then he simply moved to the Sailor’s Creek Battlefield as Park Manager until he retired a second time. For decades he was the go-to guy for any Petersburg related research or legislation. This sword was his personal possession. Calkins purchased the sword from the widow of Dr. Herbert Fleet Adams. Dr. Adams was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, having entered on his great grandfather Charles Cooke Baker.

According to the 55^th’s Virginia Regimental History, he was a member of the Westmorland Greys. He mustered in as 2^nd Lieutenant of Company E, 55^th Virginia Infantry on July 24, 1861. He failed at reelection because "he had been efficient and scrupulous and conscientious in the performance of his duties and exacting good order and discipline”. Unfortunately, many good men were turned out at the reorganization because the men voted for "politicians” instead of soldiers. Baker was over age when he enlisted so when he was turned out he did not immediately go back into service, but on August 25, 1863 he was conscripted into the 15^th Virginia Cavalry. According to the regimental history, he transferred back to the 55^th in October of the same year. Two months later he was elected Justice of the Peace and retired from field service.

His sword is in rough shape as the pictures show. The grip wrap and wire are missing. The blade is pretty good but has much surface rust. The scabbard is pretty good until you get to the drag; there it is rusted through in spots.

The sword comes with documentation from Mr. Calkins testifying to its history.

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