[Jim McDougall]

Cathey, you by far are one of the most discerning collectors of fascinating anomalies. I have always thought the M1803 British infantry and flank company swords among the most attractive and interesting sabres of the Georgian period.
It is important to note here that until the embargos of 1810, officers in America were still culturally British, and British firms still supplied swords to them.
In reviewing Andrew Mowbray's "American Eagle Pommel Swords, 1793-1830" (1988), on p.50 it is noted that most eagle head swords were made for the American market, and there were considerable numbers of variations in the styles of heads.
This particular crested eagle head is most remarkably similar to those used by William Ketland & Co. of Birmingham, whose American agents were either the Ketland brothers in Philadelphia or the G.Upson Co. in New York.

In a photo of several of the Ketland swords, one with the same flowing backstrap and crested eagle head is seen in the left of the frame. In the photo a quartered slot type guard is seen as typical on most 1803s while this example has a more stylish curled brace pattern.

The 'warranted' term in the banner was actually used by virtually all Birmingham makers of this period following Thomas Gill's lead. Actually he had begun this practice with his M1788 light cavalry sabres, but they read 'warranted never to fail'. Later simply the word warranted was incorporated into the blade motif.

This sabre can easily be dated to c. 1803 to around 1810 and appears to have been a Ketland product with their distinct crested eagle head.

Usually the bannered motif on reverse of blade will have maker or outfitters name, or sometimes the initials can be found underside of guard near blade.

This is what I have found, but Glen is the expert here on American swords, so hope he will come in on this.