CONFEDERATE OFFICER’S CAVALRY SABER WITH BRASS SCABBARD, MADE BY THOMAS GRISWOLD & CO., NEW ORLEANS

CONFEDERATE OFFICER’S CAVALRY SABER WITH BRASS SCABBARD, MADE BY THOMAS GRISWOLD & CO., NEW ORLEANS

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$13,500.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 302-124

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The company manufactured swords to sell at retail on the New Orleans market. It is also known that Thomas, Griswold & Company made swords for the Confederate and various Southern state governments. The operation continued until the fall of New Orleans on May 1, 1862.

This sword is a perfect textbook example of Griswold’s workmanship and has been described as one of the best quality swords produced in the confederacy. The most recognizable feature of Griswold’s products are his sheet metal brass scabbards. The brass scabbard on this sword has minor dings and a few very light dents. No cracks. Only very minor scratches, with a visible seam running on the entire bottom length. The patina is un-polished with brighter areas towards the grip and faded to a chocolate color towards the drag. The drag shows considerable use with an obvious flat spot from constant contact with the ground during service. The brass mounts, rings, throat and drag are all original to the scabbard. Both rings also show suspension wear.

The blade is an 1840 wrist-breaker style with a stopped fuller. The blade length is 34 3/4" with an overall length of the sword at 43".  The blade is semi-bright with about a 50/50 mixture of gun metal grey and small brown spotting. No obvious nicks. A few light surface scratches. The ricasso is stamped with the firm’s name in an arch, "THOMAS. GRISWOLD & Co." over NEW ORLEANS”. The stamp is deeply struck and easily readable. A few spots of corrosion in the area of the juncture with the grip. An original leather pad washer is present and mates perfectly with the scabbard.  

The guard is a standard style used by the firm with vines on the pommel, a floral shell pattern in the guard and vines on two of the guard branches. The brown leather and twisted copper wire warp are in excellent condition. The blade peen on top of the pommel is factory original and not disturbed.

The company descended from James N. Hyde & Co. established in New Orleans in 1816/1817 as a branch of Hyde & Nevins of New York City.  By 1861 the firm included Henry Thomas, Jr., brother-in-law of the younger Hyde, and A.B. Griswold (welcomed as partner in 1853,) brother-in-law to the younger Goodrich. Thomas Griswold, after dissolving his partnership with A. L. Hyde, continued to produce all kinds and types of swords, sabers, and cutlasses at their facilities located at 15 Chartres in New Orleans. Military goods naturally took center stage in 1861. They advertised Mississippi, Sharps and Enfield rifles and even set up a rifle factory but are best known for their sword. Production of armaments ceased with the Union capture of New Orleans in May of 1862.

A rare survivor and a fine example of one of the best made swords in the Confederacy.  [stp][ph:L]

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