November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
Probably circa 1750 to 1770. Tapered triangular steel imported, but unmarked, European blade, top third decorated on all sides with a blued panel featuring engraved and gilt washed designs, including horns and scrolls. Petite solid silver hilt is without any markings, pommel is oval shaped with two relief tiers and a capstan. Braided silver wire grip utilizing three alternating patterns of wire and with a silver ferrule at each end. Oval sheet silver guard with border of repeating pierced triangles, red cloth spacer still partially present between guard and blade. Black leather scabbard with silver mounts. For a similar example see figure 113.SS on page 341 of "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann. Excellent condition, blade retains about 80-90% fire blued and gilt finishes with some dull areas and edge wear, especially near ricasso. Otherwise, blade retains a spotted grey patina with some minor losses to edges. Hilt excellent, but slightly loose, polished some protected areas of dark patina. Scabbard excellent, mounts with some dents and scattered marks. This is a very nice example of American silver work and could certainly have been carried by an officer during the American Revolutionary War. George Washington actually carried a very similar silver mounted small sword.