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.