May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
This is a scarce and well documented sword made by James Potter between 1779 - 1781 in New York City. After the Battle of Long Island, among others, and for the majority of the war, the city was under British control. Potter produced his swords at Maiden Lane, Manhattan, for the British Inspector General of Provincial Forces. They were distributed to various Loyalist Dragoon troops. Units including the Queen's American Rangers (Simcoe's) and the British Legion (Tarleton's) are believed to have used Potter swords. Blade length is 34 - 7/8". 1 - 1/2" wide at hilt. The blade is marked "POTTER" just below the hilt on the left side of the ricasso. Like all of his swords, the slightly curved blade is flat and single-edged. The hilt is 7-1/4" in length. The iron guard is the typical four-slot stirrup hilt that is usually encountered on Potter swords. This hilt also displays the usual high-domed pommel encountered on Potter's swords. It has a spiraling wooden grip with leather wrap and twisted brass wire accent. Complete with a modern leather scabbard with original Potter iron mounts. CONDITION: The blade has had some brown finish added and some evidence of period sharpening, a couple nicks to edge with some scattered pitting. The hilt exhibits a dark untouched patina with consistent pitting of various degrees. The grip leather and wire wrap have been re-done. Scabbard leather is modern but mounts are period and retain a pitted dark surface. Potter's swords were also highly sought after by American Dragoons and Cavalry during the Revolutionary War. Reference Erik Goldstein "The Truth Behind The Revolutionary War's Ultimate Sword", "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann, No. 166.SS.