May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
This sword is illustrated and discussed on pages 150-151 of "For Liberty I Live" by Al Benting. According to the book, Al Thompson bought this hanger years ago at the Taylor House estate sale in Pelham, Massachusetts. He and Don Madden both indicated that there are three of these infantry hangers in collections. Thompson sold this example to Bill Coakley from whom the author purchased it. All three examples have the outer curl of the guard broken away, probably because the outboard bar caught on the wearer's coat while marching. Cowden's company, with James Taylor as ensign as sent to fortify Charlestown early in the day at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The sword itself is entirely American made including the slightly curved single edge blade, with a narrow deep single fuller along the top of the blade on both sides. The brass hilt has four slots on the guard and the pommel cap is flat. There is a separate outward branch on the right side. The cherry grip is tapered towards the pommel and there are brass ferrules at both ends. CONDITION: As found and untouched. Blade retains a spotted grey patina with some scattered areas of corrosion, dark spotting, and nicks to edge. Hilt retains a dark unpolished patina with tip of outward branch absent and a break where the knucklebow connects with the pommel cap. Grip very good with some marks from use. An attractive completely American made sword from an important estate.