December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
Circa 1800-1810, this mounted artillery officer's sword is featured in plate 5 on page 78 of "The American Eagle Pommel Sword" by E. Andrew Mowbray. The maker that these swords are attributed to in the book is Marquand, Paulding, & Penfield in Savannah, Georgia. A similar example with their mark was once in the Medicus Collection. The sword is also featured on page 272 of "American Swords & Sword Makers: Volume II" by Richard H. Bezdek. The sword has a slightly curved blade with wide shallow single fuller and both sides are partially blued and engraved with gilded decoration. The right side shows a liberty cap and stand of arms as well as a patriotic eagle with an "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in its beak. The other side shows floral motifs, polearms and a liberty cap. The elaborate gilt brass hilt has an eight slot pierced guard and fluted knuckle bow which attaches into the open beak of the eagle pommel with an integral backstrap. The ivory grip is grooved and has a roped gilt brass ferrule at the base. The sword is complete with its original black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts. CONDITION: Blade retains about 60-70% original polish, blued finish, and gilt, with some ares faded or frosted. Hilt retains 50-60% original gilt finish with most wear being on the backstrap and edges. Grip shows some hairline cracks and a minor chip on both sides, at the pommel. Scabbard is very good showing some crazing and minor surface losses. Throat mount retains about 60-70% original gilt, other two mounts show minor traces of gilt. A very unusual and attractive eagle pommel featured in two books. DMG. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.