“Corn Pone” seems at first glance a rather odd name for a sword, but there is a story behind the name.  The noted collector and author William Albaugh coined the phrase in his groundbreaking study of Confederate Edged Weapons.  In describing this distinctive sword he used the phrase “AS SOUTHERN as corn pone and molasses”; I don’t think you could get any more Southern than that.  The name stuck and ever after it has been known simply as a “Corn Pone”.

     The sword’s maker is not positively known, but it has several similarities to the 1st Model Kenansville sword.  The guard at first glance appears to be stamped brass like the early Kenansville, but is cast like the early Kenansville.  This scabbard is always found on this style sword; if it were not, it would certainly be thought to be a Kenansville scabbard based on the shape of the mounts, throat and stubby iron drag.  The extended quillon and extra branch on the guard’s reverse indicate that it was intended as a Cavalry Officer’s sword and it is probable that it is an early Kenansville Cavalry Officer’s sword.    While I realize that the above comparisons do not provide indisputable proof that the preceding cavalry officer’s sword is a 1st Model Kenansville, the similarities are striking. 

     This is the exact sword shown in Collecting the Confederacy, pages 223-224.

     The sword is in excellent original condition.  The guard and grip are tight, the blade smooth and bright to the point, but has numerous edge nicks.  The russet grip wrap is nearly complete though it has a few bare spots as shown in the photographs.  It even retains its original throat washer.  It has a beautiful, un-cleaned deep patina with a red tint indicating its high copper content. This too is a Kenansville trait.

     The sword is still sheathed in its attractive original brass mounted scabbard.  The scabbard has a slight bend near the drag.  One would have to look long and hard to find a better example of this rare pattern at any price.