Confederate artillery short sword. [Macon, Georgia: William J. McElroy, n.d.] Overall approx. 25 3/8 in., blade approx. 18 1/4 in. long. 

Complete in the original tight-fitting painted wooden scabbard with tin mounts. A period label affixed to the scabbard reads as follows: "[illegible] / Foot Artillery Sword / Found Savannah Georgia." The tag suggests this was taken as a trophy of war by one of General Sherman's men during the December 1864 Siege of Savannah or by a Union occupier in its aftermath. 

The sword is consistent with those believed to have been produced by McElroy of Macon, with a similar cast-brass hilt, featuring a grip of concentric rings, to those produced by Macon's E. J. Johnston, but with lathe turned circles to the quillons and without Johnston's signature blade fuller. This example is made unique by its straight, narrow blade, approx. 1 1/2 in. at its base, contrasting known semi-wasp-waisted examples. The blade has never been cleaned and retains the casting flaws so often observed to Confederate edged weapons.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades]