Bonhams 1793 : A fine American eagle pommel naval officer's sword

Straight 30 inch blade with shallow, full-length fuller and 13 1/2 inch blued and gilt panel etched and engraved with florals and with central panels in-the-white; one side with panoply of arms incorporating a Federal shield and Phrygian cap. Gilt brass hilt comprising shield-shaped languets molded with spread eagles over laurel wreaths and US; quillons boldly molded with acanthus and with acorn finials; knuckled bow molded with foliage; eaglehead pommel/backstrap, the bird clutching a cannon ball in it's beak. Elephant ivory grip carved with shell and fluted panels. Gilt brass two-ring scabbard engraved with foliage and an eagle perched on a Federal shield, the upper mount fitted with frog stud.
Condition: Excellent blade showing some minor spotting and retaining 90% plus bright blued and gilt decoration. Hilt retains probably 50-60% gilt finish and is slightly loose. Scabbard missing upper suspension ring, showing no dents and retaining 30-35% gilt finish.
See Illustration

Sold for US$ 2,340 inc. premium

Footnotes

Note The acorn and oak leaf motif is commonly seen on American, and foreign, naval officer's swords, inextricably bound up with naval insignia, probably from the use of oak as the principal wood used in the construction of naval vessels. The use of this motif was codified on the Model 1841 naval officer's sword, and continued on the Model 1852, but was certainly foreshadowed on naval officer's swords from the 1820s and 30s. For examples of these earlier swords see Figures 135 and 136 in Peterson's The American Sword, 1775-1945.

Category: Arms and Armour

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