November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
A very nice example of an American spadroon in the style of a British 1796 Pattern infantry officer's sword. The spadroon features the typical straight edged blade with wide fuller and narrow ricasso. The blade is decorated for nearly half its length with a fire blued panel and eye catching gold washed decorations which adorn the fuller. Exquisite decorations which are very patriotic are each unique to the blade and both sides are different. The obverse features foliate scrolls which flank the head of an Indian Warrior, properly adorned in a traditional war bonnet. This is followed by a generous spread of arms topped with a liberty cap, followed by a simple flower which is above the full figure of a soldier, fully equipped with sword drawn. A pleasant palmette contained in a square vignette adorns the ricasso. The reverse features foliate and floral scrolls which form into a vague face followed by a spread winged federal eagle. its chest is protected by a patriotic shield and the eagle grips the tassel of a banner which bears the de facto national motto between its wings and just under 15 6-pointed stars. The eagle soars above lady liberty, with arms spread holding a polearm topped with a liberty cap. The ricasso is marked "HODGSON / and / THOMPSON / Baltimore" contained in a vignette. The ricasso meets the crossguard which features rococo inspired scrolls towards the center and a hinged inner guard so that the sword rested flush against the uniform when worn. Beneath the crossguard, the rest of the hilt is neatly cast with a D-shaped knucklebow which forms from the urn pommel that travels under the crossguard and terminates with a bud quillon. Pommel is neatly decorated with scrollwork and a doorknob capstan. Tiered ferrules secure the grip which is simulated twisted wire. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a light patina with scattered areas of spotting and pitting, mostly on the unadorned portion. Minimal edgewear. The decorations remain sharp and presentable with a few scattered areas of pitting on the fire blued panel. Gold wash is bright. Hilt exhibits a pleasing patina with scattered scratches and dark spots from age. Gilding is remains evident throughout the hilt. Hinged guard opens and closes properly. Guard produces a slight wobble when handled. A fine example of an American spadroon. Overall very good.
Paperwork
Hartzler Collection Notes