September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
For a nearly identical signed example, see pages 490-491 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords: Vol. II" by Daniel D. Hartzler. John Bailey (1736-1815) was from Yorkshire, England and migrated to New York City in 1755. He worked as a silversmith and cutler there and was very prolific. As he often signed the swords on the top mount, swords without their original scabbards are often unmarked. His swords can be identified by the treatment of the ferrules at the bottoms of the pommels. This sword appears to be of silver plated brass. The sword dates circa 1760-1770 and features a slightly curved single edged blade with partial fuller along top on both sides. The pierced four slot s-shaped guard has a scalloped back on the right side. Both faces of the guard are ornately engraved with florals, shells, and intricate borders. Heavy chain knucklebow extends from bottom of guard to loop in lion's mouth. Large lion head has chased and engraved detail in the classic form of John Bailey of New York. The tapered ivory grip has bulbous sections wrapped with a thin silver band accent, engraved ferrule at base. CONDITION: Very good overall. Blade retains a grey patina with scattered darker spots, one nick to edge. Hilt retains a dark pewter patina overall with some traces of brass exposed near lion's mouth and edges of guard. Ivory grip retains a pleasing patina with some hairline grain cracks. A very nice pre-Revolutionary War American sword. DMG