AMERICAN SILVER HILTED EAGLE HEAD SABER
Ca 1775 -1805

 

 

 

 

Presented is a very rare example of a Silver hilt, eagle head saber with massive solid clear ivory block grip. The ivory is embellished on one side only on a single panel with slanted reeding. The sword has a sturdy stirrup guard and its original scabbard. The pommel is fitted with a Philadelphia style eagle in sharp detail with the tang coming through a diamond on the top of the head. The distinctive head is hollow as it should be for swords of this type and period. The eagle head was made in two halves and hand formed. Consequently, the material is rather thin, but has stood the test of time with only a couple of minor flaws around the neck ring. The joint may be seen at the top of the head in the photo in the gallery below. The scabbard is original and in excellent condition considering its age. It has a frog stud shaped like a shield. The mounts are embellished on the obverse with a simple design, and plain on the reverse. They are missing their carrying rings. This type sword is thoroughly discussed in Chapter IV, Domestic Production of American Eagle Pommel Swords, 1793-1830 in The "American Eagle-Pommel Sword" by E. Andrew Mowbray

 

THE EAGLE HEAD: Harold E. Peterson in his "The American Sword, 1775-1945" says this about eagle heads on page 319. "Among swords with these (eagle) pommels it is easy to recognize two principal schools of influence, one in the Philadelphia area and the other in Baltimore. The Philadelphia eagle heads are long and narrow with decidedly rakish lines. They are usually made in two pieces, and may or may not have a crest of feathers at the top of the eagle head. Baltimore eagle heads are shorter more compact, resembling the domestic chicken more than an eagle. Usually, the guard is cut with some slight piercing from flat silver stock."

Distinctive fierce eagle head with feather crest

Reverse view of Philadelphia style head

Thickness of silver can be seen around neck

Small piece of silver neck ring missing

COMPARABLE EAGLE HEADS: This eagle bears a remarkable resemblance to two illustrated in Peterson's, page 328-329, section 58 and 59.  58, Ca 1810 is unmarked and compares in style, size,  and lack of decorations, but with raised edges and scrolling on the scabbard. 59, Ca 1810, made by Philip Hart, Philadelphia, Ca 1813, has the same style eagle head, but has later variations which came in to favor around 1810 and later. These included a blued and gilted blade and American engravings. The dimensions of both come within 1/2 inch of matching.

 

This style eagle head as illustrated in Peterson's “The American Sword 1775-1945“, Pg 328

 

THE HILT is carved from a solid block of unblemished ivory which has a warm patina of age. It is loose in the hilt, but secure between the simple unadorned ferule and eagle pommel. Note the reeded carving on the obverse panel which is not repeated on the reverse.

 

The hilt is 5 1/2" The ivory block grip is 3 7/8" L x 1 1/2" W x 3/8" T  

 

Magnificent solid block of ivory carved on obverse with  only a few age cracks

 

 

BLADE: The moderately curved blade is a dark grey with rust overtones on the obverse and with about 40% of its original finish on the reverse which is a mottled polished surface with webbing. Both sides are without etching as was the norm for the early Eagle Heads. There are no maker's marks. The blade has a large single fuller 1" wide from slightly below the ricasso to 8" behind the tip. The blade is sharp for its first 15", and the false edge is sharp for 8 inches. The first ten inches show nicks from what may be combat.

 

Unadorned blade with large single fuller. Dark on obverse, mottled on reverse

 

DIMENSIONS: Length in scabbard overall 36 1/4"

Length of blade 30" Width 1 6/16 Thickness 1/4" Length overall 35 1/2"

The hilt is 5 1/2" The ivory block grip is 3 7/8" L x 1 1/2" W x 3/8" T

Weight Saber 1 lb 12 oz Weight in scabbard 2 lb 5 oz

 

 

 

THE SCABBARD: The black leather scabbard is in very good condition considering its age and use, but has shrunk about 3/4 inch. The silver throat covers this for display. The scabbard is complete with its silver mountings, including the tip all of which are engraved on the obverse side only. Both the two carrying rings are missing. The leather body shows cracking and crazing overall, but the stitching  is all present and tight. There is a small " section on the top right behind the tip which has been cut through.

 

 

Scroll Down for More Images in the Gallery

OVERALL CONDITION: The grip is slightly loose. There is one small piece of silver missing where the guard joins the eagle head. The scabbard has shrunk 3/4", but the throat can cover this. It has the normal cracking to be expected, but all its stitching is present and tight. There is a cut on top just behind the scabbard tip. Both suspension rings are missing. There are small nicks on the forward edge of the blade.

 

REFERENCES:

The American Eagle-Pommel Sword by E. Andrew Mowbray
The American Sword, 1775-1945, by Harold E. Peterson
Swords & Blades of the American Revolution by George C. Neumann

FLAT RATE INSURED SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States $35.00

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

International buyers welcome, but must inquire first.  You are responsible for knowing the import laws of your country. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.

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