November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Unmarked pillow pommel sword attributed to William Ball, who worked from 1790-1811 as a silversmith in Baltimore, Maryland. The sword features a double fullered blade with narrow ricasso. Blade inscribed with phrase translating to "Do Not Draw Me Without Reason" on the obverse and "Do Not Sheath Me Without Honor" on the reverse. The sword also features a silver crossguard which terminates into a teardrop quillon and a stirrup knucklebow. The guard features an open diamond design. Reeded ivory grip held in place between octagonal silver ferrules. The octagonal pillow pommel of this style is a signature of Ball's work. The sword is complete with its original black leather scabbard with plain silver mounts with scalloped edges. A stud is also present on the upper mount. The scabbard bears an old museum tag which reads "Loaned by W.H. Gassaway Annapolis Maryland". This sword is featured on page 336 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords, Volume I" by Dan Hartzler. The caption states that there was a further inscription which read "Ensign William Pitt Gassaway 4th Subsistence Legion" followed by the present caption. Ensign William Pitt Gassaway was from Anne Arundel County and was part of The Legion of the United States, a reorganization and extension of the United States Army from 1792 to 1796 under the command of Major General Anthony Wayne. He was listed as being killed in a duel between Lt. Daniel Jenifer and himself on March 22, 1793. CONDITION: The blade has a gray patina with scattered darker spots. Silver components of hilt show scattered areas of dark oxidation. Guard slightly loose to blade, shows some slight bends. Grip has a honey patina. Scabbard shows some crazing and wear, seam is tight with the exception of a 6" area which has separated near the drag. A 1 - 1/4" piece of leather is missing just above the drag on the back side. A very nice identified and Ball attributed sword.
Paperwork
Excerpt from Book