December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
Lot consists of two American swords. (A) Gilt brass eagle pommel officer's sword with spadroon blade. Diamond checkered bone panel grips. Floral knuckleguard. American eagle on counterguard. Bright etched blade on muted frosting panels including eagle with motto ribbon, liberty cap on pole, floral elements, etc. CONDITION: Very good to excellent. Gilt in recesses of hilt. Vivid etching but with some gray spots to blade at upper part of frosting and to end of blade. Good edge and point. Age toned scabbard with floral engraving at drag and rings. Traces of gilt. Rings and stud in place. Fragment of sling attached to ring. (B) Reverse 'P' guard, bird's head pommel saber with bone grip incised with grooves, chevrons, and checkering. Blued, etched and gold washed lower blade with flamboyant floral terminals. CONDITION: Very good to excellent. Quillon slightly bent. Grips have some brown stains. Vibrant blue to blade with floral and martial motifs including liberty cap on pole with US shield. Some thin grey shadowing to bright upper blade. "A.W. Spies" in gilt ribbon, light rubbing on motto, and slightly above. Some browning at base of blade for 1-3/4" from iron and steel join. Slight age shrinkage along upper edge of grip. Shallow dents near bottom of scabbard, two obverse, one reverse. The saber is usually categorized as a mounted artillery weapon from the saber form and brass mounts, and the straight bladed sword as an infantry officer's sword, but members of militia organizations were usually governed by regulations of the particular unit, if not state, and various officers may have carried them. (SR). PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.
Blade Length
(A) 31 - 1/4" (B) 30 - 1/4"
Overall Length
(A) 36 - 1/4" (B) 34 - 1/2"