ORIGINAL, BRASS-MOUNTED PRESENTATION-GRADE KNIGHTSHEAD MILITIA OFFICER'S SWORD AND SCABBARD

$3,950.00
Originally $4,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 169-137

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Here is a very fine presentation quality, imported 'Knights Head' style sword specimen made for the American militia market. Official regulations in the 1830s through 1840s called for infantry officer swords to have a straight blade and large counter guard. This wonderful example of a brass-mounted militia officer's presentation grade edged weapon is in excellent condition.

Weapon exhibits a 30¾" elliptical, double-edged straight blade with a long, narrow, center fuller on each flat that starts 3" up from the ricasso and goes to the very tip of the point. Reverse ricasso is plain while the obverse ricasso exhibits the 'standing knight in armor' maker's mark of W. Clauberg. The name "CLAUBERG" is above the standing figure and "SOLINGEN" rests below the figure. Just above the maker's name is the etched mark "IRON PROOF". Displayed on both sides of the blade are highly detailed, contrasting silver and gold-gilted engraved floral scrolls and military motif decorations. Above the reverse ricasso are panoplies of military arms followed by large letters "US". Additional floral scrolls follow. Obverse side bears military motifs and the spreadwinged eagle holding a pennant that reads "E PLURIBUS UNUM".

Both of the flats exhibit small undulating yet decorative-like acid-etching marks that start some 8" from the ricasso and fade away 3" from the point. Blade wears a pleasing dusky gray appearance. The tight grips are solid brass and made to resemble a Roman-style fasces with the blade tang surrounded with a tied bundle of horizontal pipes or sticks. The fasces were devices used for siege warfare in Roman and medieval times and symbolize the readiness for war. Solid brass pommel is cast in the form of a head wearing a classical helmet that faces downward. A large brass "D" style knucklebow exhibits decorative bullion type scrolls at the middle and appears to have a small period repair at one end. Large cast brass crossguard is detailed with turret-like devices at each end. The sword's brass quillon is large (4¼" x 3½") and takes the shape of a medieval shield.

Scabbard is all brass and bears two strong carry rings at the upper mounting band and a single carry ring at the lower band, typical of militia scabbards. Both sword bands are intricately carved in floral scroll motifs but appear only on the obverse side of the scabbard. Upper ring mount exhibits a small ornate brass stud for attachment to a sword belt. A small 'slipper' drag is visible at the scabbard tip. This very fine imported 1850s style militia officer's sword with its handsome, mellow brass mounted 'Knights Head' pommel is a fine specimen of early Americana edged weaponry and a great collectible. [RA]

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