December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
For a similar example, see page 96 of "Swords and Sword Makers of the War of 1812" by Richard H. Bezdek. This fantastic circa 1820 imported saber has a single fuller curved blade with elaborate etched designs on both sides for nearly the entire length of the blade. The right side features foliate scrolls, Lady Liberty, a stand of arms with a liberty pole, and detailed arms motifs including polearms. The other side has a large splayed patriotic eagle with an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in its beak, an Indian chief with bow-and-arrow, and a Liberty pole. The original red wool washer is still present in front of the guard. The ornate reverse 'P' hilt is gilt brass and chased with high relief and detailed foliate motifs on both languettes, as well as the quillon and knucklebow. The pommel is a detailed chased and engraved bridled horse head with mane running onto backstrap. The ivory grip has bulbous sections decorated in grooves with three strands of braided and twisted copper wire. There is a turned gilt brass ferrule at the base. Complete with its original black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts. CONDITION: Blade retains a mostly grey patina with scattered areas of darker heavy patina. Hilt retains about 80-90% original gilt finish with some wear on backstrap and high edges. Grip retains a honey patina with some minor chipping around pommel. Scabbard very good with some minor cracks and crazing to surface. Throat mount ring is absent and drag shows minor denting. Mounts retain about 70-80% original gilt finish. A very attractive and scarcely encountered American horse head pommel saber. DMG. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.