Bonhams 1793 : A militia artillery officer's sword

Narrow, straight 31 inch single edged blade with 17 inch fuller and concomitant panel etched and engraved with conventional florals; one side with Federal eagle and panoply of arms, the other stand of flags. Brass (bronze?) hilt comprising downturned shell molded with Federal eagle, scrolling knucklebow molded with florals and front-facing helmet pommel. Mother-of-pearl gripscales bound with brass wire. Brass two-ring scabbard with frog stud and engraved with panels of oak leaves, acanthus and with dot and curved line border.
Condition: Blade with dark grey patina showing generally sharp decoration with some light spotting partially obscuring the lower portion. Hilt with very dark patina and showing generous traces of gilt finish in protected areas. Knucklebow slightly bent. Gripscales showing some natural imperfections. Scabbard with a few light dents.
See Illustration

Estimate:

US$ 800 - 1,200
£530 - 790
€620 - 930

Footnotes

Note: Modeled, like many American swords, on a French design, first introduced during the First Empire. See pages 377-83, Les Epees Portees en France, des origines a nos jours, Jean Lhoste.

Category: Arms and Armour

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