November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Perhaps Dan Hartzler phrased it perfectly when he described this saber as "Awe-inspiring". The weapon is quite impressive and would be desired by any mounted officer during the Federal Period as well as the modern collector. This saber features a curved blade with a wide fuller and narrow ricasso. The blade is decorated for about 30% of length with fire blued panels that feature elegantly gilded decorations. The decorations are mostly patriotic in nature, and although they only highlight a small portion of the blade, they emphasize the saber as a whole. The obverse panel features a shining sun above a crown of olive branches that are followed by a beautiful perched federal eagle with a banner draped over its head inscribed with the de facto national motto. The eagle is followed by a panoply of arms and the maker initials "K&S" which are presented in a rococo placard. The reverse panel features a panoply of arms, followed by the words "HONOUR / AND MY / COUNTRY" above a foliate spread and before the blade maker "Solingen" presented in a rococo placard. Nearly overshadowing the blade decorations is the massive silver hilt. The knucklebow and counterguard were made together, while the 3 heavy branches that terminate in buds are connected by being soldered on the sides. The lower portion of the knucklebow exhibits 5 lush leaves which are 3-dimensional and rise as they travel towards the buds. Grip is ribbed for about 2/3 of its length and terminates at the eagle head. Extremely well defined, bold eagle with a prominent mouth, forehead, and eyes. The large feathering is in high relief with a 2 line center vein which flow down. Engraved feathers are noticed under the beak. A small doorknob capstan tops the eagle's head. The knucklebow features the Griffith and Gaither "GG" hallmark in Old English letters contained in a rectangle on the reverse side. The saber is complete with its black leather scabbard which features 2 large scalloped mounts. The upper mount features a carry ring with evidence of a missing stud. CONDITION: The blade remains bright with scattered areas of pitting and spotting. Evident small areas of delamination. Fire blued panels exhibit fading and areas of loss. Decorations speak for themselves and are nicely preserved with scattered areas of fading. Saber remains tight with no wobbling when handled. Hilt exhibits handling wear with yellowing in areas and a few small casting flaws. Scabbard exhibits scattered scuffs and creases throughout its length with a tight seam. Leather loss in some areas, with 1 repaired crack. Mounts exhibit tarnishing with scattered blemishes. Overall very good. An alluring saber that would present well in any edged weapon collection. This sword is featured on page 612 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords Volume II.
Paperwork
Excerpt from Book