This hefty edged weapon is a Confederate foot artillery short sword that is similar to the Federal Model 1832 U.S. Foot Artilleryman's sword often described as a 'Roman gladiator' sword. The weapon exhibits average workmanship by an unknown maker and is similar in style and appearance to various French import cutlasses and short swords from the early 1830s, namely the Model 1831. Unmarked save for the numeral "39" stamped on the brass hilt near the blade ricasso, the weapon has neo-classical design features with brass grips and a straight, double-edged steel blade with no fullers.

Overall length of the sword is 24½" long with a 5¾" long solid brass handle. The one-piece, solid brass grip exhibits nine raised ribs that are not centered on the hilt. Pommel is topped with a knob that exhibits a peened-over blade tang. Brass crossguard appears integral to the grips and has been modified with the guard's concentric circle finials (ends) have been completely and crudely hacked off. Removal was executed some time ago, as the guard edges have worn smooth over time. The blade's ricasso, unlike typical artillery short swords, narrows as it joins the hilt rather than swells away as on other short swords.

Worn mostly by artillery battery NCOs as a badge of rank, the artilleryman's sword features a hefty, double-edged steel blade that measures 19" long x 1½" wide at the hilt then widens to 1 5/8" at the blade center. This type of short sword seems unwieldy and its use as a weapon is debatable. Some contemporary accounts indicate the blade was used to clear brush and other obstacles from around gun positions. Other accounts say it was used to disembowel the horses of onrushing horsemen charging the battery. Blade does not appear to have been cleaned exhibits a natural, dusky gray patina overall. Scattered spots of rust pitting and dark discoloration spread over the blade. The sword blade is unmarked. No edge nicks. No scabbard.

These Confederate short artillery swords make a nice addition to any military collection or edged weapons display.

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