November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
The backbone of the fighting force of the newly formed United States consisted of State Militias, thus resulting in an assortment of sword styles and patterns. This sword is in the style of an Ames 1840 militia sword with knight head pommel. The most likely militia-carried sword features a straight, double edged blade with single center fuller. As is typical with these swords, the blade is adorned with nicely etched designs which are patriotic and foliate in nature. The obverse blade features foliate scrolls followed by a federal eagle, a sizeable US shield with letters "US" on its face surrounded by a stand of flags over crossed olive branches, followed by a large budding flower surrounded by foliage, and a sunburst just above the ricasso. The reverse blade features foliate scrolls, followed by a federal eagle which is over the head of an Indian Warrior wielding a tomahawk and bow, followed by a large, budding flower surrounded by foliage which is on top of a sunburst just above the ricasso. The blade is marked "R.A. / CAMPBELL / Baltimore" in an etched vignette. The crossguard is in the typical militia style with straight crossguard that terminates with bud quillons at each end with a star at the center, flanked by cast scrollwork on all sides. A double chain guard connects the crossguard to the knights head pommel which features the signature militia heaume. The pommel morphs into a ferrule which holds the bone grip which features neatly executed carved line decorations and a palmette on either side. The sword is complete with its brass scabbard which also features neatly executed engraved designs on the obverse, including sections with lush foliage, a spread winged federal eagle on US shield, and an ornate shining star towards the tip. The scabbard features 2 fixed carry rings. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a light patina with scattered areas of freckling and spotting. Decorations remain crisp but are slightly muted. Guard exhibits a pleasant patina with matching patina to the knight head. Grip exhibits handling wear and a few hairline cracks. The scabbard reflects a matching patina to the hilt with crisp engravings. There are a few scattered blemishes, including scattered scratches and scuffs throughout its length, as well as a few small dents. The scabbard is bent and there are rubbed impressions at the guard where friction is created when the sword is sheathed and unsheathed. A nice example of a militia sword that is featured on pg. 365 in "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords Volume I". Overall good.
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