AMERICAN MOUNTED OFFICER'S 5 BALL PILLOW POMMEL SPADROON SWORD by Richards Upson
New York Ca 1810 

Presented is a style of sword that found favor, for a very brief 30 year period between 1790 and 1820 with Naval and military officers in England, France and America before regulation swords became prevalent. The straight, cut and thrust Spadroon's, single edge blade measures 32 1/2 inches in length, 38 1/4" overall, making it likely for a mounted officer. It is 1 1/8" wide, 1/4" thick, with a 3/4" fuller that runs almost to the spear point tip. It has the highly desirable and scarce 5 ball cross guard and 5 ball knuckle guard bronze hilt with reeded cattle bone grip.

The name of Richards Upson, New York is imprinted within a scroll on the obverse, and on the reverse there is a spread U.S. Federal eagle with shield which is marked E. Pluribus Unum in a banner definitely making this sword for use in America. Other engraved embellishments covering the first 12 1/2 inches, front and back, include a flag on staff and quiver of arrows and numerous floral scrolls.

Richards Upson operated at 145 Pearl St. in New York City from 1808-1816, and were well known arms merchants during this limited period which dates this sword.

Arms merchant, Richards Upson, New York

Federal eagle with shield & E. Pluribus Unum

CONDITION: The sword is in remarkable condition with excellent engraving on the blade and a magnificent and complete 5 ball hilt with reeded bone grip. The engraving is sharp and legible. The blade has varying shades of grey with darker splotches of age along its length. There is very minor pitting, but only along a few places on its upper and lower edge. There is no evidence of bluing or gold wash remaining. The pillow tang stands proud and is secured by a round nut. All the sword's fittings are tight. There is no scabbard.

Famous 5 ball Cross & knuckle guard

Pillow pommel with reeded bone grip

PROVENANCE: This type of weapon, which was highly popular for a limited 30 year period beginning in 1790 by military and naval officers in England, France and the United States. It is well documented in various sword collecting books such as Bill Bezdek's, “American Swords & Sword Makers“ with photos on page 291, and arms-maker, Richards Upson, is listed on page 142.

Peter Tuite in his “U.S. Naval Officer's, Their Swords and Dirks” devotes 9 pages starting on page 18 of 5 Ball swords with Pillow Pommels of this type.

More recently published, in limited edition, with much greater detailed analysis, of all types of edged weapons, with numerous examples of this style sword, is Comfort's "Naval Swords & Dirks" a two volume set of which we are a U.S. distributor. Click here! http://landandseacollection.com/id541.html

DIMENSIONS:

LOA   38 1/4"   1 1/8" W   1/4" T        Hilt 5 3/8" x 3/4" W x 1/2" T       Blade  32 1/2“

Fuller 31" L x 7/8" W                           Weight 1 lb 9 oz

Back half of blade over front half of blade

Front view of 5 ball cross and knuckle guard

 

Pillow Pommel tang and nut. Reeded bone grip

This is a are example of an early American Spadroon which is worthy of a serious collector who is looking for something special

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if the error is due to our fault.

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