Sword was produced by Isaac & Co. and is so marked on the back of the blade near the ricasso. Also visible on the blade just above the ricasso on the reverse side is the letter “G” showing that the item was purchased and issued by the state of Georgia. A notarized letter accompanying the sword states that it came from the family of Private Allen Hughes of the 3^rd Georgia Cavalry.

The actual sword itself meas. approx. 39.50 inches long overall. The blade meas. approx. 34.50 inches long with an unstopped fuller that begins at the bottom of the ricasso and runs 24.25 inches. The surface of the blade is bright with moderate mottling and very light scattered pitting in spots but nothing that detracts. The stamped “G” is strong and very visible. There is no washer at the base of the ricasso.

Hilt consists of a wrought iron pommel and three branch knucklebow and guard with a round quillon. Grips are two long strips of crosshatched leather held to the blade tang by five rivets. Leather show light surface wear with some very small chips along one edge. Wrought iron has a wonderful smooth patina to match the scabbard.

Iron scabbard is dark and has light surface pitting and dirt throughout. One side of the scabbard has three shallow dents and three deeper dents for a total of six all together. The opposite side has a closed crack going horizontally across the scabbard located approx. 6.25 inches below the lower mount. The bottom third of the scabbard has numerous dents of varying size. The back edge of the scabbard has a slightly open crack that starts 2.00 inches above the drag and runs for approx.2.00 inches. There is no doubt this item saw hard use.

With the item is a notarized letter dated November 11, 20012 from the Great Grandson of Private Allen Hughes attesting to the fact that this sword, along with another one, were passed down in his family. Also the letter states who this sword was originally sold to and gives a very short history of Pvt. Hughes service. Also with the item are copies of Private Hughes records from the National Archives and a small copy photo of Hughes in civilian clothes.

Records show that Alexander (Allen) T. Hughes enlisted as a Private in Company A, 3^rd Georgia Cavalry at Columbus on April 10, 1862. By July he is listed as being Captain of Company H.

The 3^rd Georgia served in Wheeler’s and then Wharton’s Brigade, Army of Tennessee. Hughes tendered his resignation on August 3, 1863. In his letter he states that:

“A series of events have inaugurated among my compeers and associates a degree of prejudice which renders me fearful of the final result should I continue in my present position.”

The resignation letter was sent through channels and approved at each level. The approval of General Wharton was written on the August 7^th and states the following:

“Approved and respectfully forwarded. This officer resigns under charges. The acceptance of his resignation appears to be the best method of ridding the service of an incompetent officer.”

Nothing else is known about this officer.

Wonderful example of a Confederate used English import sword.  [ad]

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