February 24-26th 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2017
Rare double-swagged broad Philadelphia blade marked on the square spine “ROWLAND PHILA” in individual capital letters. Solid silver hilt with mounted on a dynamic, unrecorded variation of a huge knights-head pommel that is extremely well adorned. The massive, thick silver knuckle bow consists of two rows of foliage that widen to surround an oval medallion, which has the initials “WR” in script, then flowing into a rather plain counter guard that has an outer branch matching the knuckle bow and terminates in a finely constructed eagle-head quillon. The grips are of ivory, carved with angular, small, close-together lines on both sides. Leather washer between the hilt and the blade. The black leather scabbard is plain with heavy shaped silver mounts. Top mount has a mouth, pressed-line decoration and an extension on the front with the initials “WR.” The second mount is nicely sculptured with the same pressed lines and like the top mount has a heavy stud with a small carrying ring. The Philadelphia style lower mount is very large and is sculptured with the same line decorations, only heavier than the top two, with the drag having a decorated extension of floral design. Copy of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and early Federal Swords" by Daniel Hartzler, featuring this sword will be included. Sword is featured on page 121 figure 122. Excellent condition, blade retains most of original polished surface with some areas of darker grey, markings are excellent. Scabbard is excellent, leather shows scattered scratches, cracking, and one small hole around top edge between second mount and drag. Drag has a few minor dents. Hilt excellent with minimal wear to detail and a few scattered marks on oval plaque, one small loss on visor of helmet and a few small dents. Ivory grip excellent with some discoloration and minor chip below helmet on left side. This sword is marked on scabbard mount and hilt presentation plaque with "WR" for William Rowland, Philadelphia blade maker. The unique wide blade is also marked, making it probable that he made this fine sword for himself. This is one of the finest American silver hilted swords in existence.