GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
UNIQUE & EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF AMERICAN SILVER HILTED FEDERAL ERA HORSEMAN SWORDS SIGNED BY WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA MAKER JACOB SCHAFFER.This pair of swords along with the next lot in this auction, a silver mounted naval dirk from same Washington, PA estate. They are fresh to the market and a unique highly decorated pair of War of 1812 era American swords. Only one other Schaffer marked sword is known and it has plain blade, undecorated mounts & smaller grip and blade. That example is illustrated on pg 135 of Daniel Hartzler's Silver Mounted Swords - The Lattimer Family Collection Featuring Silver Hilts Through the Golden Age. 30" American made blades with single fullers are uniquely decorated with American blue with gold overlay patriotic designs which have never been noted before. Decorations include folky American eagles, panoply of arms and "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Stirrup hilts are marked in cartouche on each counter guard "J. SCHAFFER". The grips are carved, spirally cut ebony both unique in shape. Pommel caps made without capstan unlike the smaller example in the Lattimer Collection. Scabbards exhibit 3 silver mounts all with unique engraved patterns including patriotic shields, wreaths and an 8-pointed star on one. According to Hartzler, Schaffer worked 1796-1850 and this information is consistent with information found at the Washington County Historical Society which show Jacob Schaffer listed as a silversmith in Washington, PA in 1800, which is a probable date of this sword. Stirrup hilts of this style are typical of the American Federal Era in brass - but so rare in silver. SIZE: CONDITION: Swords are fine overall. Blades retain most of their orig finish & tool marks with scattered areas of staining. The etched blue & gold panels retain 95% orig bright blue, though the gilted overlay designs are worn and only about half easily discernible though when glinted in light, the unique details are seen. Etched panels are unique to each sword though similar motifs are seen on each. One sword appears to have the date "1783" etched in panel. Scabbards retain all 3 orig mounts and tiny silver carrying rings. Mounts are finely engraved as seen in photos in quite distinct styles from one sword to the other. Even the size and shape of mounts are different showing craftsman's hand work. Same is noted in the size and shape of hilts, pommels & ferrules. Scabbard bodies are solid but dry, cracking & crazing. There is a large crack between drag & middle mount on one sword. Much of the finish is missing on scabbard bodies. The silver mounts and hilts are as found with dark silver patina. 49516-2 JS (20,000-30,000)