Confederate artillery short sword. Presumed Alabama: n.p., n.d. Retailer's mark "J.S. Bird" and "S. Carolina" stamped to sand-cast brass hilt. Overall approx. 23 3/4 in., semi-wasp-waisted blade approx. 18 1/2 in. long. 

An exceptionally scarce Confederate artillery short sword in its own right, this piece presents a unique opportunity to own one of only two known examples stamped by John S. Bird, Sr., of South Carolina, the other of which is housed institutionally. The marks contour with wear to the guard, indicating that they were stamped prior to the swords' heavy use. With a distinctive forward-cast cross guard and nine concentric rings about the grip, these swords are generally believed to be the product of an Alabama small arms manufacturer, though the maker is unknown.

The sword can be linked to the Battle of Fort Sumter and the Palmetto Guard, later I Company 2nd South Carolina Regiment, via the service of John Stiles Bird, Jr. (alt. John B. Bird, alt. Byrd, 1845-1906), the son of the marked retailer. The younger Bird is no doubt best remembered for raising the first flag over the captured Fort Sumter. Formerly flown from the masthead of the Palmetto Line brig John N. Jones, the "Lone Star and Palmetto" flag was given to Bird, then employed at his father's military goods store, by Captain Charles E. Mills, and was subsequently adopted by the Palmetto Guard as it's unofficial colors. Considering they were retained as artillerymen when ordered to Cummings Point, it's possible that this sword that passed through his father's shop was also carried by Bird.

John Stiles Bird, Sr., was born in England and emigrated to South Carolina in the early 19th century. He is known to have operated a slew of "Military & Fancy" shops from 1832 into the 1860s, notably Bird John S & Co. at 225 King Street in Charleston. In addition to militaria, he retailed eyeglasses, looking glasses and mirrors. 

The sword exhibits nicks to the blade and dings and bumps to the brass that suggest battlefield usage. Despite this, the blade is tight to the hilt with no movement.

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]