This twenty-three and an eighth inch Confederate foot artillery short sword is modeled after the Roman warrior’s sword of ancient times and more recently the artillery sword of the Napoleonic War era. In fact, I have seen War time billing invoices where the Confederates actually refer to these short swords as "Roman Swords”.

It was originally intended to kill or maim charging cavalry horses, but the War Between the States weaponry rendered such a use impractical. It was used most often to clear fields of fire for the artillery and likely to slay overly aggressive swine. (those that could not get away)

The sword shown here is in very good condition. The hilt is as tight as when it was new. The blade is a mixture of grey and dark grey. There is some pitting along the blade with one small dug out area on one side. The edge has some pitting, with a few nicks, but no noticeably large ones. A little bit of the tip was broken off long ago. The hilt, with its dark, natural patina and prominent C---S on the ends of the quillons makes it perhaps the most attractive of the Confederate Foot Artillery Swords. The hilt has a small casting flaw on one of the inner rings near the pommel.

I once thought these were made in Richmond, they may have done so, but I no longer have confidence in that position. Others think it was made by Leech & Rigdon, and they may be correct, but the simple fact is, we just don’t know. It is an extremely rare sword in any condition; and this one is quite well preserved.

Print Email to a friend