RARE REVOLUTIONARY WAR WAGON WHEEL SABER, EX. WILLIAM GUTHMAN COLLECTION.

This scarce variety of New England swords is attributed to have been made in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The slightly curved and unfullered blade is of American manufacture. The brass hilt includes a full wagon wheel guard with a forward-turned shell quillon. There are a total of 15 piercings on the guard and extending the length of the knucklebow. Plain oval-section cherry grip tapered at both ends and with a brass ferrule at both ends. Round pommel with capstan. CONDITION: Since sold at auction in 2006, this sword has had some restoration. The blade has been cleaned bright, now showing scattered pitting overall and "battle" nicks to cutting edge. Some copper-colored spotting on both sides. Back 1/4 of knucklbow has been professionally replaced and colored to match patina. This is nearly impossible to detect until looking at the photos from before the restoration. Hilt retains a very dark patina throughout. Capstan is a replacement. Grip shows some age cracks and a split, as well as other marks fro use. A desirable American Revolutionary War sword from an important collection. PROVENANCE: Previously sold by Bonhams in San Francisco as lot 122 on October 12, 2006 as part of The William H. Guthman Collection. Also see figure IA.5 in "Colonial Swords of New England/Part III: True Wagon Wheels, Quasi Wagon Wheels and Heart Motif Hilts", by William H. Guthman in "Man at Arms" magazine, Sept/Oct 1989, p. 26-27 for an illustration of this sword. Blade Length: 32 - 1/2" Overall Length: 39"