EXCEPTIONAL INSCRIBED CONFEDERATE OFFICER’S SWORD OF THOMAS STONE, “STONE’S BATTALION OF ALABAMA SHARPSHOOTERS”
inv # 02-15400

Louis Bissonnet and James Conning swords made in Mobile Alabama when unmarked are often confused by collectors as products of Leech & Rigdon who used same pattern hilts. The blades however are quite different. Mobile made blades have rounded top edges, Leech are flat. Blade etching is also distinct on Mobile made swords, especially those of Louis Bissonnet with his delicate fine line scrolls and lettering.

1850 style hilt with “CS” in oval is cast on top of guard xxx by tobacco leaves, floral guard, plain undecorated pommel & quillon, 32” unstopped fuller blade, 11” etched panel “T. O. Stone”.

Dr. Thomas Oswald Stone (1834-1864) joined the local Mobile 40th Alabama infantry Regiment as 1st Lieut. March 29, 1862, promoted captain May 1, 1862 and commanded Co. G. His brother George Washington Stone (1831-1864) was NCO in same company. Both would die in 1864. Dr. Stone had gallant service record in the 40th being promoted several times. During Vicksburg campaign he commanded 3 companies known as “Stone’s Battalion of Alabama Sharpshooters”. They escaped capture at Vicksburg being on expedition to Sunflower & Yazoo Rivers. Stone’s Battalion sharpshooters would fight independently until being reunited just before Battle of Lookout Mountain. He was Lt. Colonel at the time of his death in the winter camps Dalton Georgia May 5, 1864. According to family records Stone was wounded at Lookout Mountain prior to the winter camps, not fully recovering till his death from pneumonia. His brothers took his body back home in a wagon filled with charcoal for burial near his home. His older brother George would die 6 months later November 6, 1864.