Very Rare, Superb Untouched Condition Civil War Confederate Cavalry Officer's Saber with Brass Scabbard by Thomas Griswold & C... (Total: 2 Items)

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Very Rare, Superb Untouched Condition Civil War Confederate Cavalry Officer's Saber with Brass Scabbard by Thomas Griswold & Co., New Orleans with Exceptional Period ID to Robert D. Champion Starke's 28th Mississippi Cavalry. Many details of Champion's war experiences can be found in a new book My Dear Wife: The Civil War Letters of Sid and Matilda Champion of Champion Hill. Champion enlisted on March 13, 1862 and at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, December 29, 1862, while serving on the staff of Gen. Stephen D. Lee, in charge of Lee's couriers, Champion performed a remarkable feat of heroism, most likely with this sword at his side. Lee needed and urgent message delivered to Vicksburg requesting ammunition. After the first two couriers had been shot dead in their attempts to deliver the message, Champion volunteered to deliver it himself. His mission was described as a "Ride into the jaws of death" but with his 'hat in his teeth" he successfully delivered Lee's message and is cited in Lee's official report for his extraordinary bravery. Champion remarkably survived the war and mustered out in May of 1865. 41½" overall with 35½" unetched blade. Blade generally smooth and light gray with some touches of luster. Just some minor staining and some salt and peppering near the tip, really excellent. Deeply marked "T. G. & Co./N. O." on the reverse ricasso. Untouched brass hilt with nice patina about perfect, guard just a bit loose as the washer is missing. Brown leather grip with twisted brass wire also about perfect, just a few scuffs. The heavy all brass scabbard, including brass throat, ring mounts and distinctive accentuated drag, is about perfect with dark untouched patina, just a couple of dents near the drag. Neatly scratched in script between the ring mounts "R. D. Champion/Co. I/(Star)kes Cavalry. Even retains what appears to be the original red/white/blue cotton sword knot. A rare Confederate sword, in most desirable condition, with great period ID.