What's the best book on Confederate swords?

[Nathan Dodds]

Hi folks,

What's the best book on Confederate swords? I want one with lots of nice pictures so I can study them as I want to buy one some day. I know there are lots of fakes out there.

[gsusat]

Re: What's the best book on Confederate swords?

This is my favorite, but get all the books you can and even more important go where you can look at originals and handle them. One of the best lessons for me was holding an original in one hand and fake in the other. There is a huge weight difference in the blades. GEt to know collectors and dealers and learn from them. Some of the repros have little casting differences that were incorporated to distinguish them from originals and you need to be aware of those. Most collectors/ dealers know what to look for. And lastly buy from someone who backs what they sell. Depending on where you live, go to one of the major Civil War shows, there will be a good selection to look at, and it is a good way to get to know people.

Photographic Supplement of Confederate Swords [Hardcover]
William A., III Albaugh (Author)

Good luck - there is something special about having original items around.

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: What's the best book on Confederate swords?

Nathan,

George's advice is spot on. Another book that is good as it has color photos is Collecting the Confederacy by Shannon Prichard. There are also a number of books just on a particular manufacturer of sword, i.e. Louis Frohlich. Also go to Civil War shows that have alot of relics to look at. Close to Arkansas that I know of is one in Memphis, and go to Franklin, TN for the largest Civil War show on earth. It's always the first weekend of Dec. And names of dealers to learn about Confederate swords from are Brian Akins of Rebel Relics, Shannon Prichard of Old South Antiques, Larry Mealor of ???, and John Sexton of ???. There are other guys but these four have taught me the most. Have fun and I hope you find a great first Confederate sword.

[Nathan Dodds]

Re: What's the best book on Confederate swords?

Thanks a lot folks, that should give me a start. That Franklin one sounds like a great show, I'm going to be saving up my money all summer and read some books.