Confederate Navy Sword

[gareb]

I am trying to determine the authenticity (or lack of authenticity) of a presentation Confederate Naval sword. Marked Craft, Goldsmith and Craft. It has all the bells and whistles a famous Confederate Naval

officer who has books written on him, a CSN etching, Confederate battle flag, Naval anchor, and attractive floral motif. The sword has an interesting provenance, however, I am equally aware that provenance can be made up. I am naturally afraid of swords with all the bells and whistles but I ended up with an original Johnson, Macon, Ga., etched sword with all the bells and whistles. I need your help. If you feel it is real, tell me why you think it is real. If you feel it is not real, tell me and be specific.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

I'm not a sword expert (they'll be along, I expect), but I do recognize the name (Charles W. "Savez" Read), and that'd be enough to make me cautious; since he was one of the real swashbucklers of the Confederate Navy, with multiple biographies written about him, he's both a source of desirable collectibles and a significant motivation for counterfeiting. Stranger things have happened, but I'd be startled to see one of his swords on the market, all things considered.

 

[rebelatsea]

It is described as a "presentation sword". Is there any record of Read being given such a gift?