November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
A very nice, early example of a John Walraven silver hilted eagle head sword. The sword is double hallmarked "JW" in Roman capital letters under the crossguard. Walraven's early hallmark was just his initials before he transitioned to his surname in a conforming cartouche that was often accompanied by an eagle head. This example features a slightly curved blade with single, unstopped fuller just beneath the squared spine. The imported blade is relatively plain but is stamped on both sides with a crude crescent moon and 3 5-pointed stars. The crossguard is somewhat narrow and features 4 shaped slots that taper into a twisted knucklebow. Grooved bone grip decorated with twisted silver wire. Walraven style wide-headed, short beaked eagle head with a bulging comb. His eagles exhibit many distinctive attributes to the classic Baltimore style eagle head. Nicely detailed feathers which flow backwards under a small capstan. The sword is complete with its original black leather scabbard with silver mounts. CONDITION: The blade retains a mostly dark patina for most of its length, some nicks to cutting edge. The silver hilt has scattered areas of black silver oxidation, hallmarks very good. Grip shows some scattered hairline age cracks and has a pleasing light honey patina. Hilt slightly loose to blade. Scabbard has detached at the drag. Middle silver mount is separating along the top, but is held in place by a single link. Mounts have scattered areas of silver oxidation and drag is heavily bent at the tip. Leather exhibits scuffs, chips, and areas of cracking with a tight seam. This sword is featured on pg. 320 of American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords, Volume I" by Dan Hartzler.
Paperwork
Excerpt from Book