The staff and field officer’s sword shown here was made at the Confederate States Armory in Kenansville, North Carolina by Louis Froelich. The name implies that the manufactory was a Confederate government operation, but it was privately owned and operated. Records show that Froelich made pikes, buttons, saber bayonets, navy and artillery cutlasses, belts, knapsacks, cap boxes, cartridge boxes and swords for North Carolina, the Confederate government and for private sale. The Confederate States Armory is believed to have been the second largest sword manufactory in the Confederacy. Froelich’s cavalry swords, bayonets and cutlasses are all referred to as Kenansville products, taking their name from the place of manufacture rather than the maker’s name. Only his unique field & staff sword bears his name and it is this sword that he is most remembered for.

The large CSA in the counterguard delineates this sword as a staff & field pattern, and as the name staff & field implies, only officers with the rank of major and above were authorized to carry this sword. However, such distinctions could ill be afforded in the Confederate army and this sword could have been carried by officers of some lesser rank.

The hilt remains tight; the blade was lightly cleaned at some point but was done well and has left it with a natural semi-bright appearance. All the brass furniture has a pleasing deep patina. The thin leather grip wrap remains 98% complete. The grip and guard remain as tight as the day it was made. The single brass wire wrap is original and complete. The sword still is sheathed in its original scabbard, and the scabbard is beautiful, retaining much of its original red paint. The scabbard is virtually perfect, with just three places near the drag where it was clearly shut in doors. It still retains a lot of its original red japan. Both the hilt and the scabbard throat are marked with the Roman Numeral VII, assuring an original match.

This beautiful Froelich staff & field officer’s sword and scabbard is an excellent example of this rare pattern.

The sword comes with a 1998 appraisal from Stone Mountain Relics, John Sexton, for $20,000.00

Print Email to a friend