March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Probably Philadelphia, circa 1820. Features a curved steel blade with large single fuller on each side. Both sides decorated with 16" blued, engraved, and gilt-decorated panels. The right side shows a Federal American Eagle with spread wings and an "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in its beak, along with a liberty cap on a liberty pole, acanthus leaves, and scrolls. The opposite side displays a panoply of arms with a liberty cap and repeats the motifs on the right side. Fine gilt brass hilt with eagle talon quillon and stylized swan knuckle bow with belt hanger. Detailed horse head pommel with mane continuing into faceted back strap. Checkered ivory grip with carved wedding band and gilt brass ferrule at bottom, decorated with roped rings. Complete with black leather scabbard with pressed designs and large gilt brass mounts. Blade retains much of original polish with some minor spotting, retaining about 70-80% original fire blue finish and about the same amount of gilt. Hilt retains generous amounts of gilt finish, especially in protected areas. Small portion at top of grip has been restored. Scabbard is excellent, possibly restored professionally. A very rare hilt and attractive design. This sword is very similar to the sword illustrated on Page 106 of "The American Sword: 1775-1945" by Harold L. Peterson. The sword shown is on the display at the Smithsonian.