An exceedingly rare Confederate sword Confederate Foot Officer's Sword with "PRADEL, A / NEW. ORLEANS" Maker's Mark Deeply on the Reverse Side of the Blade at the Base. Pradel was a French maker who came to New Orleans in 1849 and established himself as a surgical instrument maker at 68 St. Charles St. Pradel eventually partnered with his brother and moved, in 1861, to 121 Chartres St,. where he was listed as a maker of surgical instruments and is known to have made foot officers' swords with etched blades. Pradel is also known to have engaged in the production of swords for Alfred Dufilho. Fashioned after the U.S. M1850, The 29+1/2" blade has a shallow stopped fuller. There are light traces of the original etching visible, on the right side of the blade.The markings "PRADEL, A / NEW. ORLEANS"are deeply stamped, blade is dark in places with built up rust, would probably clean up a bit if one desired, the decorated guard has open area where the floral design usualy is, traces of gilt on the pommel, and guard. the wood handle is missing about half The original top seam scabbard is a little rough, seam is open , it has brass mounts, they are screw fastened , it is missing about half of the lower section of scabbard and the drag. this would be a candidate for a restoration if one wanted to do so, but looks great as is, a nice relic from New Orleans.