November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Late 18th-early 19th century pillow pommel sword by William Ball, who worked from 1790-1811 as a silversmith in Baltimore, Maryland. The sword features a straight, double fullered, spearpoint blade. The spine is marked "W. ROSE". The stirrup knucklebow is composed of 2 branches separating further towards the guard. Guard has a has a forward turned quillon, guard has a counter guard on the left side, and a diamond shaped piercing in the center. Back of guard, below grip stamped with partially visible "W BALL" hallmark in a rectangle. Pillared grip is ivory with engraved line decorations at each corner. A small silver ferrule rests at the base of the grip. The silver 8-sided pillow pommel is a signature of Ball's craftmanship. A squared brass rests on top of the pommel. CONDITION: The blade retains a dark grey patina. Hilt mostly polished with some areas of dark heavy patina. Area where diamond meets guard is detached. Grip retains a pleasing honey patina with some chips and hairline age cracks. Hilt is loose to blade, capstan is a replacement. This sword is featured on page 335 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords, Volume I" by Dan Hartzler.
Paperwork
Excerpt from Book