This is my favorite "project" sword. It's a Windlass Steelcrafts Confederate Foot Officer's sword, now inexplicably discontinued. It began life as a good reproduction of a Leech & Rigdon foot officer's sword of ca. 1862-1863 (Memphis, Tn., Columbus, Ms. and Selma, Al.), complete with distinctive L&R design of the C.S. ("Confederate States") casting on upper inside surface of guard. I completed extensive filework on the brass hilt to clean up some clumsy hand-chasing and generally make the hilt match originals of this type as closely as possible. I then completed my most thorough antiquing to date, using photos of original swords as my guide. You can see below that I succeeded to a remarkable degree.
I left the synthetic grip core in place in order to discourage misrepresentation of the weapon's age if/when it leaves my hands. As you may know, Confederate swords are among the most valuable American edged weapons, with an example of this type commanding prices most of associate with fine medieval and renaissance swords. Put this piece over your mantle and let friends believe you have the means to drop $7,000 on an antique sword.
DETAILS
The sword is lightweight and well-balanced, unlike many Civil War-ear reproduction swords.
In addition to the cast foliate design typical of foot officer's swords of this period, the hilt of Leech and Rigdon's version bears a distinctive "C.S." casting in an oval on the inside upper face of the guard.
This reproduction is very true to original Leech & Rigdon swords of this pattern. Casting of the brass guard is detailed and crisp, with intricate foliate designs on both top and bottom of the guard created by casting, openwork and some hand-chasing.
The blade is of very good quality. It is stiff, but can flex enough to indicate that it is appropriately heat-treated. It features a long, broad "unstopped" fuller typical of Confederate blades. The blade has a robust spine almost .25 inch thick at the guard and tapering to the false edge 6.5 inches long.
Weight: 1.75 pounds
Overall length: 36 inches
Point of Balance: 6.5 inches from guard
BOTTOM LINE
I just added a new sword to my collection, so I need to do a bit of trimming.
$150 firm, and that includes shipping within CONUS.
PayPal preferred (no extra charge,) but money order is o.k., too.
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