Non Regulation Officer's Sword White Brass Hilt Ca 1830-1850

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Non Regulation Officer's Sword White Brass Hilt Ca 1830-1850

About the Item

Presented is a one-of-a-kind officer's sword with a hand tooled bone grip, unusual pommel, and chain guard with a tag from the famous Phillip Medicus Collection. It has hand patined museum accession number from where it resided for more than 50 years, and various tags signifying ownership. It was likely made to the personal design of an officer who had it commissioned with these very distinctive features: Pistol grip pommel Acorn finals on the quillions Shell shaped langets Silver looking hilt common to the infantry, Diamond section scabbard Brass tipped scabbard PROVENANCE: Purchased by Norm Flayderman, Wallingford Hall, Kennebunk, Maine on September 8, 1956; "From the most important American Sword Collection of Philip Medicus, New York, New York". Then to a museum, Accession number 56.3.4. Deacession to benefit the Museum Collection Fund. Ref. Flayderman, Norm. "American Swords From the Philip Medicus Collection". Mowbray Publishers, 1998. Page 225, plates 109, 109a. Norm Flayderman, one of the most well known figures in arms and edged weapons, classified this sword on September 8, 1956 as, "U.S. Militia Officer's sword and scabbard, 1830-1850, white brass pommel hilt with pistol grip pommel." Flayderman is in good company since this sword is an exact duplicate of what Harold L. Peterson describes on page 78 and 79 of his authoritative book, ?The American Sword, 1775-1945?. It is pictured on page 79 as illustration 70. The example in Peterson's book was made by Ames in Cabotsville, Massachusetts. This one is unmarked, but an exact duplicate. The steel, etched blade has complex etched designs of American Heraldry consisting of etched American Shields and eagle, Flags, Cannon barrels and Oak leaves with other sprayed foliage. On the obverse, there is a banner with E. Pluribus Unum over a large, right facing American eagle with shield, and fig leaves and arrows in its talons. Below that is a cartouche comprised of drums, cannon and spike all profusely decorated with foliage. On the reverse, closest to the hilt is a cartouche with cannons, drums, crossed flags and pikes. Above that is an American shield with pikes and a cannon barrel. All are surrounded by floral designs.

Dimensions:
Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Steel
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Mid 19th Century
Condition:
The double edged, deeply etched blade, has no maker's mark. Both sides of the forward part have dark pitting. The original silver plated scabbard is in excellent condition with only one dent towards the tip on the reverse. Both suspension rings and its brass metal tip and mounts are present. Nickel electroplating was prevalent by 1840 which helps for dating. The tang comes through the top of the pommel. The hilt is loose, but with a proper work bench can be tightened by peening the tang. The museum's accession number, E 56.3.4, appears on the front of the crossguard on the side with the back strap. Copyright 2012 Land and Sea Collection. All Rights Reserved.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U120217925722