Confederate Heavy Artillery Short Sword – CS and Star Type

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Confederate Heavy Artillery Short Sword – CS and Star Type – Although specifically unknown, it is believed that these swords were produced by a number of Southern makers, including The Confederate States Armory in Wilmington, North Carolina; W.J. McElroy in Macon, Georgia; and E.J. Johnston & Co., also of Macon, Georgia – the latter produced one hundred and fifty for use by the Choctaw Artillery. Other wartime, southern manufacturers, whose names are unknown today, produced several variations of these swords. This sword has a crudely cast, brass hilt, with an inset star on both sides of the pommel, and the crudely cast letters “CS” on each side of the mid-section of the cross guard; the grip has diagonally angled, cast ribs. The hilts of these swords were hollow cast, and when the hilt was removed from the mold, significant flaws often appeared. Most original examples have quite a few, noticeable casting flaws; this example is no exception as it has several, visible flaws. This sword has a straight-edged blade, with single, un-stopped fuller; the blade is unmarked and remains in excellent condition. The brass hilt, pommel and cross guard were cast as one integral unit which was then affixed to the tang of the blade. The hilt, unlike the U.S. Model 1832 Heavy Artillery sword, made by Ames, is not riveted in place. The hilt remains in overall very good condition, evidencing a pleasing aged patina; the blade remains in good condition, as well. These swords were produced at the onset of the Civil War, and were based on the U.S. Model 1832 short sword, which had been based upon the French Model 1816, which, in turn, had been based on the ancient, Roman gladius.

Measurements: OL – 23.75“; Blade Length – 18.5 “