November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
A fine example of an unmarked late 18th century silver hilt eagle head pommel hanger. The sword features an English style blade with double fuller, narrow ricasso, and a small section of blade decorations. About 6" of the blade features rococo style foliate decorations on each side. Constructed of sheet silver, the crossguard is quite attractive and features a pierced bellflower on each side. Center swelled, spiraled cherry grip wrapped with thick double twisted wire that fits neatly into the grooves. The wire is so heavy that the silver ferrules at each end of the grip are notched to accommodate them. The eagle head features individual semi-rounded feathers detailed with rachis and vanes, turned capstan. The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard with neatly tooled X designs and rectangles, as well as differently scalloped silver mounts. Upper and center mounts each feature a suspension ring. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a gray patina with areas of pitting and spotting throughout its length. Shows edge wear and blade decorations are worn. The guard is mostly polished with some areas of dark patina. Grip exhibits handling wear with scattered age cracks. Hilt slightly loose to blade. Eagle head shows some high edge wear. The scabbard has come apart in 2 pieces between the middle mount and drag. Tight seam with scattered cracks and creases. Mounts exhibit some oxidation and remain secure, except for the upper mount which slides off the scabbard. This sword is featured on pg. 331 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords Volume I" by Dan Hartzler.
Paperwork
Excerpt from Book