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  • /Lot 1314

Lot 1314:Scarce Cavalry Style War of 1812 Horse Head Pommel Saber with Sh

December 8th, 2013|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1314

Lot 1314:Scarce Cavalry Style War of 1812 Horse Head Pommel Saber with Sh

December 8th, 2013|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$15,000 - $25,000
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Scarce Cavalry Style War of 1812 Horse Head Pommel Saber with Sheath

Imported before the outbreak of the War of 1812, the horse head pommel sword is chiefly recognized as a British design, in contrast to the Bald Eagle often found on American pommels. While most examples are artillery style, with shorter blades and gilt furniture (see page 106 of "Peterson's The American Sword" 1775-1945 for an example; in particular, note the bridle design on the horse head), this example shows the hallmarks of a cavalry or dragoon saber, with a longer curved blade and the silver-clad furniture that would become an American standard for cavalry. Measuring 37 inches overall, the curved single fuller blade is 32 1/4 inches long, with niter blue fields reaching 2/3rds of the length, gold highlighted engraving with American patriotic and military themes, and "J. COOPER'S/Warranted" on the right side. The hilt is silver finished brass, with a spiral-pattern rear quillion, deeply cut fan patterns on the languets, alternating octagonal and floral beading on the knuckle guard, a ribbed and polished brown horn grip, and a sharply detailed horse head pommel, with a well rendered bridle and the mane going down the back of the grip. With a black leather sheath, outfitted with silver finished brass throat, suspension band, and tip with contoured upper edge and trimmed drag.

ConditionGood. The fine blade shows 70% of the original niter blue and gold finish, with some patches of pitting near the tip. The final 9 inches of the blade appear to have been professionally sharpened, and a few minor dings are visible lower down on the edge. The hilt is good, with some minor chips and age cracks visible on the grip, a well aged brass color overall, and strong traces of deep, antique patina silver in the lower areas. The sheath is good, with some cracking and scuffs on the leather and a few dents on the brass components, which are aged to match the hilt. A fine example of a scarce American military sword.
Details
TypeOther
ClassOther

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1939
Catalog page146
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