November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
This sword is one of only 1,000 made by John Miles, Sr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1801, Miles purchased the Old Globe Mill from Robert McCormick, including all of his machinery. He sent two examples of the cavalry sabers to the Virginia Manufactory in 1801, prompting the State of Virginia to order 1,000 cavalry sabers with hussar hilts and iron mounts at a price of $4.00 each. They were delivered to John Shee at the Virginia Manufactory. Some of these swords went on to be used by the Confederacy during the Civil War and had their leather scabbards replaced with steel scabbards. In 1811, John Miles became the clerk at the U.S. Arsenal in Philadelphia. For information and a photo of an identical sword, see pages 42-43 and page 86 of "Swords and Sword Makers of The War of 1812" by Richard H. Bezdek. Features include a slightly curved steel blade with single fuller on each side. Heavy iron stirrup-hilt guard and wood grip covered with black leather and braided brass wire. The sword was said to have been purchased from Mrs. Sue Little, and taken from the surrender by Colonel Bascom Little during the Civil War. For more information, see page 18, figure 22 of "Historic American Swords" by Howard R. Crouch. The sword in in very good condition, overall. All metal components have been heavily cleaned and still show some freckling ans scattered areas of spotting. Edge of blade with a few nicks and small areas of losses, from use. Grip is excellent with some scuffs to surface and minor losses, otherwise crazed with dark patina and some scattered marks. A very rare and desirable historic Virginia sword, used in the War of 1812, as well as by the Confederates during the Civil War.
Overall Length
40 - 15/16"