April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
The late William Guthman wrote an article for "Man At Arms" magazine (September-October 1982) noting that three swords of this form were found in an attic in Maine. He later disclosed that they came from Eliot, just across the river from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Bill and many others have referred to this type as a "monkey hilt", although it is more likely that these are lion-head pommels. The sword has a slightly curved, single-edged, Spanish-style blade with a double full. The sword has a classic brass 4-slot guard and a simplified lions head pommel with some engraved details and a brass capstan. The cherry grip has a brass ferrule at both ends. For an example of another nearly identical sword, see plate 336.S on page 173 of "Swords & Blades of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann. This is a very desirable and scarce form of a colonial American saber. CONDITION: Blade retains a dark even patina. Cutting edge shows some battle nicks. Hilt retains a mellowing mustard patina and shows some minor scattered marks. Grip is excellent with one minor dent. Hilt and blade are tight. This is a very desirable form of an American cavalry saber. This sword is illustrated and discussed on pp. 62-63 of "For Liberty I Live" by Al Benting.