Born Johann Christian Wiltberger in 1766, the silversmith and jeweler known as Christian Wiltberger apprenticed and operated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was active about 1793-1819. In addition to assorted silver works, he also produced fittings for martial swords, which would include blades used in the aftermath of the American Revolution as well as the War of 1812. It measures 39 1/2 inches in overall length. The gently curved single fuller blade measures 33 3/4 inches and has a quillback false edge and a set of wire etched martial designs with gold accents on a niter blue field on the lower third of the blade. The hilt is of silver construction with a reinforced one-branch counter-guard, smooth knuckle guard stamped "C. WILTBERGER" on the interior, an engraved eagle head pommel, and a wire wrapped ebony grip. Includes a black leather scabbard fitted with a silver mid band and tip.

Good overall. The blade shows a mixed gray patina with traces of the niter blue finish, about 30% of the gold, and some light edge wear. The silver fittings appear to have been lightly cleaned at some point in the past and display a well aged color overall and an especially deep antique patina in the protected areas along with some light dings and scratches and a thin split on the right side of the grip. The scabbard is rough with some absent furniture, scuffs and tears. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.