November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Hodgson and Thompson were merchants working until 1804 in Baltimore, Maryland and either crafted or imported this artillery saber of the pre-1796 pattern issue. The saber features a curved blade with wide fuller which is terminated with the narrow ricasso. At first, the blade does not appear to be anything special, but upon closer inspection, gilded decorations appear through the patina. The blade decorations are patriotic in nature and the obverse features foliate scrolls followed by a spread winged federal eagle with patriotic shield protecting its breast and a banner that faintly displays the de facto national motto above its head. This is followed by a panoply of arms and the maker mark "Hodgson / Thompson" which is barely visible. The reverse also features foliate motifs, while the eagle is replaced by what appears to be lady liberty holding a spontoon and shield, followed by a panoply of arms just above the word "Baltimore" which is slightly legible on a gilded rococo placard. The crossguard is of brass with 4 open slots which develop into a solid D-guard which features a carry ring. The knucklebow connects to the urn shaped pommel and sits above the fluted ivory grip which is held in place by a thick lower ferrule. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a dark patina which mutes the decorations. Gilding in the decorations remains present but is only noticeable under a close inspection. Pitting and edge wear is noticed throughout the length of the blade. Guard exhibits remnants of gilding. Ivory grip exhibits a nicotine patina, various cracks and chips, with the largest measuring 1 - 1/4". Overall fair. A very nice example of an untouched late 18th century saber. This sword is featured on pg. 364 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords Volume I".
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