^Lot 5079 "AS FOUND" CONFEDERATE DEWITT COLUMBUS GEORGIA

"SNAKES IN GUARD" OFFICER SWORD. 34.5" overall, 29.5" blade with unstopped fuller, brass hilt with unique Dewitt designed intertwined snakes in place of the US floral design. Spiral carved wood grip, smooth plain undecorated pommel & quillon. A. H. Dewitt (1817-1874), Columbus, GA was only in business for about a year in 1861 making swords before selling his manufactory to gunmakers in 1862. He had previously been a jeweler and is renowned for his unique design of "snakes in guard" officer swords. His swords are quite rare and this is an honest complete and original example most likely taken home as a souvenir as found in Chicago area many years ago. CONDITION: blade is uncleaned, dark with large forging flaw, missing protective leather washer so slightly loose. Hilt has dark olive patina, spiral carved wood grip has hand worn patina with any wrap long gone. PROVENANCE: Marcus Porpora lifelong sword collection. (02-26424-1/JS). NON-GUN. $3,000-4,000.