November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
William Alexander Williams was an Alexandria, Virginia silversmith who was active during the Federal Period. He advertised as a gold and silversmith in May 1812, taking over the shop of Gaither and Griffith at the corner of Prince and Fairfax Streets, which he shared with Griffith until 1820 before departing the location. The sword is hallmarked "W.A. WILLIAMS" in a rectangle inside of the knucklebow. The prominent eagle head features a hooked beak with no nares and rounded eyes. The feathers are tiny and resemble a checkering pattern, flowing downward on the sides and backwards on top around the doorknob capstan. The knucklebow connects to the pommel underneath the beak, taking the shape of a D-guard before forming into the crossguard that features 4 slots. The grip is of ivory and features shallow spiraled grooves. Massive, curved blade features a single deep fuller just below the spine. The blade is marked "& Co" just above the guard on the right side. CONDITION: The blade retains a gray patina with scattered darker spots and some nicks to cutting edge. Hilt is polished bright and retains a crisp hallmark. Bridge between guard slots has broken on left side. Knucklebow and left side of guard show some slight bending. Grip retains a pleasing honey patina with scattered age cracks. Guard slightly loose to blade. A nice example of a sizeable saber from a well-known Virginia silversmith.
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