One of the most recognizable and popular Confederate swords was manufactured by a German immigrant named Louis Froelich. It featured an open brass guard with the letters CSA cast into the knucklebow. Froelich arrived in the US shortly before the Civil War began. He was most industrious and inventive, producing a wide variety of swords, knives, buttons and other products for the Confederacy. Until now, however, the story of his edged weapons business operations has not been fully examined. McAden, Jr. and Fonvielle, Jr. have provided us with an interesting, well researched, and accurate account of the life and times of Louis Froelich and his genius as an entrepenurial Confederate industrialist.