Confederate staff & field officer's sword. Columbus, Georgia: L. Haiman, ca. 1861. Ricasso reverse etched with maker's mark. Blade etched with floral motifs and the following presentation: "A Testimonial of regard. / To / Lt. R. H. Redwood. Jr. / from his Company. July 1863." Approx. 37 in., blade approx. 31 1/4 in. Complete with metal scabbard. 

A presentation sword produced by L. Haiman in Georgia. The blade has a dark patina, but this adds depth to the floral motifs beautifully etched onto both sides. The obverse of the blade includes the etched presentation to Lt. Redwood, Jr. There is some pitting to the blade, including obscuring most of the maker's mark. The brass hilt is slightly worn, but the delicate "CS" cut into the guard is still visible. The leather grip is also beginning to wear down, but it is still secured, as is the wire around it. 

Redwood was born on 25 September 1835 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the fifth child of William and Louisa Redwood; the "Jr." came from his uncle being named Richard Holman. The family moved en masse to Mobile, Alabama, around 1837, but records show Redwood in New Orleans when the Civil War broke out, likely staying with his uncle of the same namesake. 

On 16 May 1861, he mustered into Company H, 7th Louisiana, and by August, he was already sergeant major of the regiment. Redwood fought with the regiment at the First Battle of Bull Run, as well as the Battle of Malvern Hill. In August 1862, he transferred to Alabama troops, and by 21 January 1863, Redwood organized a company of 75 conscripts at Selma. Beginning in May, however, he began a months-long period of detached service in Richmond. 

Beginning in 1864, Redwood was elected captain and assigned to Ball-Hatch's Company in the 8th Alabama Cavalry. Later, in April, he was promoted to major of the 8th. It was in this role that, during the Battle of LaFayette on 24 June 1864, Redwood suffered a gunshot wound in the breast and died instantly. He was one of 30 killed from his regiment that day, and it's believed he was buried on the field. 

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, Cutlass, Cutlasses, Blades]