American Horseman's Saber with Hilt Repurposed from a French-made Lafayette Corps of Continental Light Infantry Sword

Lot 84

About Seller

274 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
United States

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About Auction

Historic Arms & Militaria by Bonhams Skinner

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Historic Arms & Militaria

By Bonhams Skinner

Feb 25, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-02-25 12:00:00 2022-02-25 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Historic Arms & Militaria https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/skinner/historic-arms-militaria-8880 Skinner is proud to present the William Rose Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms Collection, Part II. The collection documents the evolution of military arms, equipment, and documentary items used in early America. Bonhams Skinner bidsquare@bonhamsskinner.com

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Lot Description

American Horseman's Saber with Hilt Repurposed from a French-made Lafayette Corps of Continental Light Infantry Sword, c. 1780-83, the brass hilt originally having a "USA" engraved branch on the guard but removed during the sword's active lifetime, slots and circle counter-guard with a tapering knuckle bow connecting to a hilt with brass backstrap, and raised diamond topped pommel, wood grip with remnants of leather covering and brass wire wrapping; curved single-edge blade with false edge at the tip and three narrow fullers; blade lg. 32 1/4, overall lg. 37 5/8 in.

Note: The hilt on this sword originated with a French short saber given by the Marquis de Lafayette to the sergeants in Corp of Continental Light Infantry in September of 1780. The distinctive hilt was originally equipped with an openwork branch having a central medallion boldly engraved with an intertwined "USA" insignia. The hilt of this sword clearly shows the remnants of the point where the branch was attached at the counter-guard and near the upper end of the knuckle bow. For reasons not clearly understood, many of these branches were apparently removed during their period of use as several have been recovered at sites known to have been occupied by the Continental Light Infantry in 1780-83. The underside of the counter-guard clearly shows evidence of wear from the wide blade upon which the hilt was originally mounted. The present blade is an imported three-fuller type commonly seen on American horseman's sabers of the Revolutionary War period and the tang peen on the hilt shows a surface undisturbed from when the sword was assembled likely during the latter years of the American Revolution.

Condition

Condition: Brass toned to a deep brown/yellow, branch on the hilt removed during the sword's active lifetime, bend in the upper portion of the knuckle bow, grip retains approx. 40% of the leather wrapping, twisted brass wire wrapping is prsent but loose, hilt is slightly loose; blade toned to a mottled gray with scattered areas of surface oxidation, blade edge has a few small nicks.

Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
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