Description:

BLAISE PRADEL CONFEDERATE SWORD AND SCABBARD
Fine, very rare Civil War relic: a Confederate foot officer's sword almost certainly made by the New Orleans-based cutler Blaise Pradel. The sword is neither stamped nor marked with the Louisiana state seal, but bears all the markings of a Pradel sword: superbly constructed in a design similar to the Federal Model 1850 officer's sword, measures 37 1/2" in total, with a 31 1/2" cut-down blade curved at the top, floral scrolls in the counter-guard, a two-piece pommel with offset welding line, and original leather grip with twisted brass wire. The hand guard etchings appear to be of the magnolia, which would become Louisiana's official state flower in 1900, and grip leather is possibly sharkskin. Very little is known about Pradel, and few copies of his sword-work exist today. What is known is that he was a Frenchman and a New Orleans cutler and surgical instrument maker who began making swords for the Confederacy in 1862. Very nicely preserved, with expected marring and pitting on the blade, minor wear at the grips, and slight oxidation where the blade's base meets the guard. Fitted in a very good condition scabbard.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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