3404 US MILITIA INFANTRY OFFICERS EAGLE HEAD SWORD.

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This item SOLD at 2023 May 14 @ 16:40UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 750.00 USD
Estimated at 1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD

This sword likely dates from 1820 to about 1835. It measures 35 1/4" overall with a 30 1/4" single fullered blade. The tri color blade is decorated over the first 16" with both white & gold enhanced patriotic & foliate etching on a blued field. Near the ricasso appear the markings “A. W. SPIES WARRANTED”. Gilded brass hilt features a spread wing eagle languet on both sides with an acanthus leaf terminated quillon. The knuckle bow is embellished with more acanthus leaves & a central flower disc. The beautifully articulated eagle head pommel has a cannon ball in its mouth & the eagle’s feathers extend over halfway down the backstrap. Beautifully carved certifiably antique grip. Heavily gilded brass scabbard has ample engraved decoration including an eagle on shield. CONDITION: blade shows only a few minor spots of discoloration. Gilding & bluing are virtually complete. The hilt retains nearly all of its original gilding. The grip shows one notable tight age crack. Scabbard retains over 80% of its original gilding. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (02-18391/BF). $1,500-2,500.