May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
An identical example is shown as plate 31.S on page 72 of "Swords and Blades of the American Revolution", also shown as plate 20.SS on page 310 of "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution", both books by George C. Neumann. According to the author, a relic hilt of this exact pattern was excavated in New England and was marked "Sr. W.P. No 33", indicating use in Sir William Pepperell's Regiment of Foot. The regiment was first raised by Sir William Pepperrell in Massachusetts as Sir William Pepperell's Regiment of Foot and ranked as the 66th Foot in September 1745. It garrisoned Nova Scotia until disbanded in May 1749 and was re-raised in New England as the 51st Regiment of Foot in December 1754, disbanded again in December 1756 after most of the regiment was captured at the fall of Oswego. The sword itself has a straight, double-edged blade of diamond profile. The gilt brass hilt has a large pommel with a relief crown on a stippled ground on both sides, while on the outboard guard, there is a relief Hanoverian horse. The grip is wrapped with braided silver wire. CONDITION: Blade retains a grey patina with a couple nicks to the bottom edge. A portion of the original leather washer still remains at the top of the blade. Hilt retains about 60 to 70% of the original gilt finish, somewhat thinned or worn in high areas. Grip is excellent, hilt slightly loose. A very attractive English sword.