AMERICAN 1840 PERIOD INFANTRY OFFICERS SWORD

This magnificent sword is very much like the one pictured on page 171 of the book “The American Eagle Pommel Sword" by E. Andrew Mowbray. The picture is of two swords of this type and the one on the right resembles the one we offer with a few differences. First instead of a wooden wire wrapped grip, this has a beautiful mahogany wood grip beautifully checkered and in one piece. The eagle’s head we feel is of the F.W. Widmann style for sure and is the type V1. Comparing again to the picture in the book ours has a much more elaborate clam shell guard employing Columbia seated holding the staff of revolution and the American flag shield. Above her head are the thirteen stars for the original Colonies and beside her the American Federal eagle and below the eagle; you can see the crowns of empire with the staff of royalty. This represents the victory over British rule by the American Revolutionists. Battle axes and other weapons are seen in the background and the motto E. Pluribus Unum. The blade is in good shape except the bluing and gilding is pretty much gone. It has the usual engraved panoply of weapons in place on both sides. There is a stamped mark that looks like letters under the cross guard on the blade. The sword in its scabbard is three feet long. It is a very handsome piece, especially the clam shell guard that is possibly unique. Certainly the most patriotic motif that we have ever beheld. It may have been custom made for the bearer who must have been a true American patriot in an age where such things as patriotism meant something.