November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Although unmarked, this sword exhibits the conventional small headed, short beak Baltimore style eagle head pommel which is a signature of the style of notable silversmith William Ball. The eagle head is small, but ornate and wonderfully detailed. The features of the eagle head are spectacularly engraved with detailed feathers which flow back on the side and each feature elaborate rachis and vanes. Nice stippling around the football shaped eye with pupil on right side. Fat doorknob capstan. The knucklebow connects to the pommel just below the beak and forms into the crossguard which features a 4-slot guard. A small ferrule holds the center swelled horn grip. Twisted silver wire rests neatly into the grooves of the brown horn. The slightly curved blade features a single deep fuller along the top on both sides. CONDITION: The blade has a mostly dark gray patina with some scattered spotting. Guard mostly polished with scattered areas dark patina, especially in protected areas. Hilt is tight to blade. Grip excellent. A very appealing example of a William Ball attributed Maryland sword. This sword is featured on pg. 305 in "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords Volume I" by Dan Hartzler.