Ask the Appraiser

By John Sexton · Originally published November-December 2023 · pp. 68–70

Ask the Appraiser — lead photograph from the original article

Confederate Staff and Field Officer’s Sword

I have a Civil War sword that I would like to know more about. It’s not a spectacular story, really, it was purchased so long ago from my dad. He bought it in North Carolina from a guy who lived a few houses down from a Civil War veteran’s family back in the 1960s. I don’t have any names, unfortunately. There are letters SHO on the pouch, but I don’t know if that’s a name or what that is. I’m looking for someone smarter than me to learn who made the sword and if there are others like mine. I can’t seem to find any sites that sell Civil War swords like mine. Does that mean it’s rare, or nobody is selling? I may decide to sell it one day; perhaps an auction would be best, but I’m not sure. What would a summary appraisal report show? Other than who made the sword and how old it is, what else can you say about it? Let me know if you need any more details or if you need better angles for those photos. Steve

Answer:

Ask the Appraiser — photograph 2 from the original article

Your sword is not rare, but this pattern with the hilt cast in the form of letters “CSA” is a very popular and valuable

Confederate staff and field officer’s sword. There were two almost identical makers of this pattern, Louis Froelich of North Carolina & B. Douglas of South Carolina. Values on either maker are the same for unmarked examples. There are subtle differences between the makers; Froelich normally had assembly markings in the form of Roman numerals cut into the edge of the guard and top of the scabbard throat. The lack of these assembly marks is one reason I believe B. Douglas of Columbia, S.C. made your sword. Your sword is “as found,” with no restoration or cleaning, making it very popular among purist collectors. The attached white buff belt predates the Civil War and may have an old maker’s mark stenciled if you look closely. The buckle is the 1832 artillery pattern. The buckle is unusual in that it has an eagle cast in relief on one side, which is typical, but the other side is plain and smooth. I have not seen this type of device before on the

Ask the Appraiser — photograph 3 from the original article

Confederate staff officer sword most likely made by the firm of B. Douglas, Columbia, S.C., in “attic as found” condition with prewar militia belt and officer used valise.

other half. It is possible that there was an applied device, such as a state seal, though there are no visible signs of solder or attachment marks. The belt on its own sells in auction for around $1,000. The valise is not military, but similar items associated with Confederate officers are marketable, and initials add a partial identity to a soldier. The sword, though not in the best condition, is still a fine survivor, complete, and authentic. Most grip leather

Ask the Appraiser — photograph 4 from the original article

is missing due to poor storage, but the single-strand brass wire wrap is intact. The blade and scabbard body have an iron patina; the brass hilt and scabbard mounts have mottled chocolate/mustard patina. The finest examples sold in the heyday of the sword market for close to $20,000. In auction today, a presale estimate of $7,000-9,000 would probably get good participation and could easily sell for more.

Five inches is the standard length for Civil War era sword grip north or south with rare variation.

Ask the Appraiser — photograph 5 from the original article

Blade shows typical Confederate forging with unstopped fuller.

1832 pattern, 2-piece militia buckle attached by central “S” hook; one side has an eagle, and the other side is undecorated.

Ask the Appraiser — photograph 6 from the original article

The scabbard has pinned brass throat and narrow brass ring mount standard to this pattern.

The grip is made from spirally cut wood with a leather cover and wire wrap. Much of the leather has chipped away due to the dry environment where it was stored for the past 150 years in the attic or barn.

Ask the Appraiser — photograph 7 from the original article

Beautiful chocolate brown patina found on the brass hilt with cast CSA.

About the Author

Ask the Appraiser — photograph 8 from the original article

John Sexton holds the highest designations as certified appraiser with International Society of Appraisers (ISA-CAPP) & accredited senior appraiser with American Society of Appraisers (ASA) specializing in Civil War memorabilia. He authenticates and evaluates other rare and valuable historic items as well. He is coauthor of the book Confederate Bowie Knives (2012) with Jack Melton and Josh Phillips, published by Mowbray Publishing Inc., and author of many periodical articles on Confederate arms. John’s contact information: website: www.civilwarappraiser.com, email [email protected], cell 770-329-4984.