Unusual Confederate Naval Sword marked Walscheid Solingen. Wilhelm Walscheid Solingen is listed as a dealer exporting swords to Confederate. References; (1) ÒConfederate ArmsÓ by William A Albaugh III and Edward N.Simmons, page 273 (2) ÒAmerican Swords and Sword MakersÓ by Richard H.Bezdek, Chapter 32 (3) ÒEuropean Sword Makers and Dealers Who Exported Swords to Confederate Dealers during the Civil WarÓ, page 449.
The sword has a turned wood handle, and a solid guard that is painted black.(not newly painted) On the guard is a plate that is attached by two rivet type fasteners. It reads "CS Naval Yard INS 1862 Richmond Va." There is no sheath. According to Shannon Prichard, author of "Collecting the Confederacy", all of the reported stamps like these have been on real period pieces and not reproductions. Also according to Shannon, these stampings are out there but not much information is available on it. So further investigation would be in order. The blade has no rust. Additional photos are available on request.
