1800's US Eagle Head Blue and Gilt Officer's Sabre / Sword, Sold

A rare circa 1800 American army officer's eagle head sword / sabre, with clear blue and gilt etch, in overall good condition.

The style of eagle head and etching indicates this is a French or possibly Prussian (in the French style) made eagle head sword, as was very common due to the United States' own fledgling sword making industry. Interestingly, this item was purchased in 2000 for £1650 by the previous owner and yet, despite the fact prices have sky rocketed, we are selling it now for less!

The 30 inch blade is in overall good condition, a little light pitting where the scabbard leather broke but nothing much. The blue and gilt etching still clear and good, of course with the obligatory stars and stripes shield. There is a little movement of the blade in the hilt, as there is with the bone grip, as is common for this sword, especially with bone grips. There is a resultant gap between the grip and the back strap / piece; it is simple enough to glue between the grip and the back piece, and then clamp tight, but we do not recommend this with bone as it may lead to other issues.

The hilt is otherwise good, the bone grip complete, some cracking, again to be expected. The original leather and gilt steel fittings scabbard has lost the tip section. It would cost us around £100 to get the leather replaced, but we think this would actually lessen the item in some respects. An alternative may be a leather section cap, but we think it is the ultimate buyer to decide upon this aspect.

A lovely rare sword far from home! Very few of these swords come to market in Europe / the UK; we bought it from the previous owner who is in the UK. It makes you wonder if this is one of the few swords lost by the United States to Great Britain during the War of 1812. Our price is only £(too late, now sold) which is a lot less than the previous owner paid for it 13 years ago. Further / full sized images upon request. Please quote item reference number E84 (809)

NB The previous owner bought it from an antique shop in the UK in 2000 for £1650, and the original price tag is still with the sword (not shown in photos).

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