November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
A native of Annapolis, Maryland, Thomas Sparrow traveled to Philadelphia in order to educate himself on the craftsmanship of small swords, which were quite popular amongst American and English military officials during the 18th century. After learning the trade, he returned to Annapolis where he was quite active throughout the latter end of the 1700s. By the time of the Revolutionary War, Sparrow was acting as a confidential agent on the Council of Safety and was later the 3rd sergeant in Middleton's Independent Company of Militia. This sword reflects the craftsmanship of Sparrow and, while not as ornate as some of his other works, reflects the elegance of simplicity. The sword features a plain triangular blade with partial fuller on back side. Shell guard which measures .037" in thickness and does not exhibit reinforced edges, but are instead decorated in raised chased panels of acanthus leaf designs, which compliments the edges of the guard as well as the border around the blade. The pas d'ane rings feature sharp edges and terminate in buds, which fit conveniently into the notches of the shell guard. The knucklebow is plain and features the correct Sparrow hallmark "T.S" on the obverse center. The baleen grip features wrapped strands of silver. Smooth, rounded pommel with a narrow pedestal neck topped with a doorknob capstan. CONDITION: The blade has a pleasing dark patina with one chip along the bottom edge of the right side and some scattered spots of heavier patina. Hilt retains what appears to be either generous amounts of a gilt wash or a yellowed lacquer. Capstan and ferrule at base of grip are possible replacements. The raised edge on the right side of guard has been re-attached. Grip wrap is tight, one worm holes to baleen on right side, towards pommel. This sword is featured on page 283 of Dan Hartzler's book "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords, Volume I".
Paperwork
Excerpt from Book