November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
The grouping consists of the gilt brass eagle pommel officer’s saber and 1846 dated Maryland militia commission of Captain Matthew T. Goldsborough, of Talbott County, with a bullion helmet tassel, and some miscellaneous paper. The saber is quite attractive and features a curved blade with a single, wide ricasso, flat spine, and small ricasso. The blade is decorated for about half of its length with an elegantly fire blued panel that is ornamented with gold washed patriotic and foliate motifs. The panel terminates with an attractive fire blued rococo scroll. The hilt is of brass with straight crossguard that terminates with a thick circular quillon. The crossguard features 2 shield languets, each decorated with a federal eagle over top of a stippled background. The knucklebow is elegantly decorated and resembles an arch shaped stirrup, and is feathered right before it connects to the pommel. The eagle head features an open beak with thick individual plumage and pronounced forehead. The feathers flow to the backstrap which is smooth and connects to a wide ferrule that is decorated with leaf motifs. The grip is of grooved ivory and wrapped with twisted brass wire. The sword is complete with its gilded brass scabbard that features 2 bands, each of which accommodates a carry ring. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a pleasing patina with scattered freckling throughout its length. Decorations retain generous amounts of their original gold wash and remain crisp. Hilt exhibits a pleasing honey patina with scattered blemishes from age and handling. The grip exhibits a slight nicotine patina with handling wear and a few hairline cracks, as well as a significant chip toward the pommel. Slight separation from the back strap with tight wire. The scabbard retains a generous amount of its original gilding with scattered blemishes from handling and wear throughout its length and a few minor dents. Gilt brass trimmed sabers are still sometimes classified as artillery by collectors, but militia regulations varied by state and even by company. The commission appoints Goldsborough “Captain of a troop of horse attached to 9th Regiment Cavalry District M.M.”. This comes with a small bullion waffle with tassels on a short loop, likely from bullion helmet cords. Associated documents included a deed, and a copy of “The Navy of the United States from the Commencement 1775 to 1853” that is named to Goldsborough, etc. The paper items exhibit yellowing and blemishes that are typical of old documents. This is a group of very nice pieces that display well and are connected to prominent Maryland families. Matthew Tilghman Goldsborough (1812-1861) was the son of Nicholas Goldsborough and Elizabeth Tench Tilghman Goldsborough.