September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
For another example of a silver hilt by George Harris, see page 96 of "American Silver-Hilted Swords, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords" by Daniel D. Hartzler. This sword is attributed to George Harris, who was from New York City and began working with precious metals in the wilderness town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Between 1815 and 1819, he was located on the corner of Liberty and Spring Streets. The wide 1-1/2" blade is curved with a wide shallow single fuller on both sides. Both sides fire blued on the top 16-1/2" inches and featuring engraved and gilded designs on both sides. The right side displays a large acanthus leaf at the ricasso and floral motifs, as well as arms motifs with polearms and a Liberty cap on a Liberty pole. Opposite side features a large federal eagle with stars above and an "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in the eagle's beak. Below is a "WARRANTED" banner and floral motifs. Silver hilt with reverse-P knuckle bow and birds head pommel. Hilt features relief chased languettes with oak leaves and acorns. The quillon is curled forward and on the right side, engraved with a six-point shaded star. The knucklebow and back of the guard are engraved with shaded foliate patterns. The spine and pommel feature relief-chased repeating foliate and berry designs. The one piece ivory grip has checkered panels on both sides and a silver ferrule at the base with detailed designs. The sword is complete with its original leather and silver mounted scabbard. The massive mounts are shaped and engraved with shaded foliate motifs. The top mount is monogrammed with a "GC" for Lieutenant Colonel George Croghan of the 2nd Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. On April 4, 1814 he was commanding the ground forces of the Detroit Expedition at Mackinac. CONDITION: Very good, blade retains perhaps 40-50% original blued and gilded decoration with front of blade retaining a grey patina with some scattered darker spots. Blade shows a couple minor nicks to cutting edge. Hilt very good with a pewter patina. Hilt is tight to blade. Grip very good retaining a pleasing honey patina and showing a couple small age cracks and minor chipping along backstrap on left side. Scabbard very good, mounts retain a matching patina, leather crazed with some minor losses to surface. Minor tear and loss on top, behind drag. A great silver hilted Pittsburgh attributed War of 1812 saber inscribed to a Colonel. DMG