The foot artillery sword shown here is believed to have been made by W. J. McElroy in Macon, Georgia. Both E. J. Johnston and W. J. McElroy manufactured swords in Macon, and Johnston produced a nearly, but not quite, identical artillery sword which is found sheathed in an identical scabbard. Because of the similarity of the two, and that these two makers are known to have shared craftsmen, it is generally assumed that the sword shown here was made by McElroy, even though no maker marked examples have come to light.

This example is in very good condition; the grip is tight and retains its deep, rich, natural patina. The blade’s very tip has been repointed, but is bright and has never been cleaned. Along its surface it features some very desirable forging flaws. The sword is still sheathed in its original wooden scabbard with tin mounts, which to have been repainted at some point. The scabbard’s drag finial is missing and it has some hairline cracks, but remains very solid. The mounts remain tight and the stud is solid and original.

This is a very good example of this sword, complete with its original scabbard.

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