November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Circa 1780 William Faris Sr. silver hilted lion head sword. The slightly curved American blade features a center fuller which travels its length and also features a smaller and deeper fuller which travels for about 3/4 of its length just below the spine. An elaborate silver guard features 11 piercings, including the 8 piercings on the guard. The total of 8 open slots are a notable feature of Maryland Revolutionary swords. "WF" in square hallmark is present on the left side of the blade, on front of guard. The knucklebow originates with a single bulge and features 3 open slots which meet the open slots of the crossguard. The grip is quite attractive and is constructed of ivory, dyed green, with ornately spiraled grooves of varying sizes. The grip is held by a small ferrule just beneath the crossguard, as well as the elegant 2 piece lion head pommel, portraying a dejected expression. The lion exhibits nice features including detailed eye sockets, nose with a bridge, and mouth with molding on both sides which approaches the nose. Extensive ornamentation of the eyebrows and lower eyelashes. The ears are slightly concave with the lush mane that resembles a petaled flower design. Doorknob capstan which has been indented. CONDITION: The blade retains a gray patina with scattered pitting, especially visible and deep towards the tip. Scattered edge wear with obvious delamination. The hilt is polished, scattered areas of dark patina. Some damage to lion head below capstan, slightly indented. Grip shows some age cracks and a small chip at base. A very nice lion head sword from an early Maryland silversmith. The sword is featured on pg. 161 of "Silver Mounted Swords, The Lattimer Family Collection: Featuring Silver Hilts Through the Golden Age" as well as pg. 281 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords, Volume I" by Dan Hartzler and is accompanied by a past auction receipt from Sotheby's January 2014 Important Americana sale.
Paperwork
Past Auction Receipt