Sunday, May 4, 2014

18th Century Swords

French & Indian/Revolutionary War Period Regulation (p. 1757) Heavy Dragoon Basketilt Back Sword, ca. 1760

In overall very fine untouched condition. The 36 1/4", unmarked, blade cut with a full length fuller and is double edged for 2/3 its length. The basket-type hilt formed of large forge-welded bars which incorporate an opening for reins at the rear. Small scroll-shaped quillon and a plan lobed pommel. The grip is fitted with its original spirally-fluted, rayskin cover, secured by a braided wire Turk's head. In overall very fine untouched condition. The blade with smooth surfaces without pitting and retaining an untouched age patina. Matching surfaces to the basket-hilt. Original grip with choice surfaces to the leather wrap: missing the wire binding. A rare Regulation English Heavy Dragoon Backsword dating to the French & Indian/Revoltionary War, ca. 1760. For similar examples, please see G. Neumann's: "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution".
Price: $4,975.00




18th Century Scottish Basket-Hilt {Stirling-Hilt} Backsword, ca. 1735

In overall fine untouched condition. The 36 1/4" x approx. 1 1/2", backsword-type, Scottish-made, unsigned blade with a deep fullers/blood-grooves, for its length, a single cutting edge, reinforced spine/back and a double-edged tip. Fine, untouched, lightly patinated, steel-gray surfaces; and retains its original cutting-edge(s) without evidence of re-sharpening. Classic Stirling-type, round-bar, basket-type hilt formed of forge-welded bars incorporating finely pierced and decorative panels with thistle and heart motifs. Of classic Scottish “Stirling” type design with "S" form, “round” bars (Please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons of the American Revolution”, pg. 344). Conical-form pommel with its original "tang peen" and matching steel gray surfaces with scattered discoloration/oxidation. The grip-section with its braided, copper-alloy/brass wire and its original leather under-wrap with hardwood core. The leather with deeply toned tanned surfaces with the expected scuffs, abrasions, minor crazing and signs of use/wear. In overall fine untouched condition with a smooth age-patina and nicely toned steel surfaces. The Scottish-made blade with smooth steel-gray surfaces, scattered discoloration/staining and minor patches of light “salt & pepper”. The hilt, en suite with nicely detailed pierced decorations, some light patches of discoloration, smooth surfaces, scattered discoloration and minor battle-related? dents/dings: the pommel with matching steel-gray patination. Fine grip with untouched/lightly oxidized leather surfaces and its original braided grip-wire (loose). A classic example of an early 18th century Scottish Basket-hilt Backsword with a well-made Scottish blade and a finely crafted (Stirling-type) hilt, ca. 1735. For a similar example, please see G. Neumann's: "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution", pg. 344 (fig. 122.SS & 123.SS). Overall length, 42 3/4".
Price: $6,575.00





Colonial Period English Sword-Pistol, ca. 1730

In overall very good+ condition with smooth, lightly toned, silver-gray iron surfaces and a finely carved and fluted staghorn grip. The 21", single edge, unmarked blade with two deep fullers/blood-grooves, for its length, smooth steel-gray surfaces, scattered light to moderate pitting, patches of discoloration and its original and sharp cutting edges. Finely chiseled steel hilt with a classic, early Georgian form, scallop-shell cross-guard, a sculpted and faceted "D" type knuckle-guard and a bun-type pommel with a finely turned capstan with its original “tang-peen”. Finely molded and carved, deeply fluted, dark colored, staghorn grip-scales with smooth, untouched “natural” surfaces, their turned iron ferule and some minor expected signs of use, wear and abrasions. In overall very good+ condition and complete with its original, integrally-mounted, sidelock flintlock mechanism. The lock of typical "Queen Ann" design with a bridled powder-pan, a finely sculpted gooseneck hammer and a trefoil finial frizzen spring. In mechanically functional order (mainspring weak) with its original curled trigger, screws and matching mottled surfaces. Cannon form, 3", smoothbore, .45 caliber, turnoff, Pistol barrel with matching steel-gray surfaces and a fine bore and touch-hole. In very good+ original flintlock condition and classic example of an authentic English Flintlock Sword Pistol, ca. 1730. Very good blade with smooth surfaces, sharp cutting edges, a fine point, minor nicks and some light scattered discoloration and salt & pepper pitting. Overall length, 27 3/4". Complete and original throughout with some expected signs of use and wear. A scarce example of an authentic 18th Century “Combination Weapon”. For similar examples please see Claude Blair's: "Pistols of the World", plt. 726 & 727.
Price: $6,575.00



Copy and photos supplied by Ambrose Antiques.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.