Bonhams 1793 : A Philadelphia silver-mounted eagle pommel officer's saber

Curved 31 3/4 inch blade with broad, shallow fuller, the lower 8 inches on either side with engraved and gilt decoration; one side with the motto Honour and my country, the reverse with a sun-in-splendor, laurel wreath, Federal eagle and E Pluribus Unum riband surrounding seventeen stars, this above a small panoply of arms surmounted by a Phrygian cap. Silver stirrup hilt comprising simple knucklebow, the quillon with small disc finial; plain ferrule and classic Philadelphia-style eagle of slightly flattened form. Elephant ivory grip, the front side with oval relief panel carved with a feathered pattern. Complete with black leather scabbard, the rocker-engraved silver throat with single sling ring.
Condition: Upper 19 inches of blade with dark patina showing light pitting, the lower section retaining much of the gilt decoration. Hilt fine. Scabbard showing a solid older repair 6 inches below the throat, areas of surface scuffing and missing the drag.
See Illustration

Estimate:

US$ 5,000 - 7,000
£3,200 - 4,500
€3,700 - 5,200

Category: Arms and Armour

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