1770's-80's British Cavalry Sword for ID

Will M · Yesterday, 04:13 PM

This sword has not given up much in the way of what regiments used it or the Wyatt name on the blade. I have posted this years ago and thought there maybe information that has come to light since then so I'm giving it another shot!!
The sword is marked A/57 on the slotted guard, and on the scabbard locket. The blade still sharp is 36" long, curved and with a clip point. The name WYATT in capitals is stamped on the blade ricasso. One interesting detail is the buff leather strap on the scabbard having a slot in the strap for attachment. I have not found another example in my American sword ref books. I did see an identical sword in relic condition, without the Wyatt mark at Cribbs auction a few years ago, however was not able to add any info.
Having no access to American museums that hold swords limits my research.
The sword was sourced in Philadelphia. Was it a sword of the 16th or 17th Light Dragoons, or one of the many other Loyalist mounted units?
My intent is to tie it to a regiment and possibly find other examples.

Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 04:41 PM

Will, great find!!!
Wyatt was I think a New York maker who like Potter produced swords for loyalist forces during the Revolution. As of course, America was a British colonial entity, these kinds of commercial enterprises were not selectively characterized necessarily.
The form follows the typical British dragoon swords of the 1770s known as the 'four slot' group.

The first example is likely a prototype 'light dragoon' for the units selected for the first such units such as the 15th in 1759, this probably 1760s and IMO likely Jeffries in London, using German blade. This corresponds remarkably to the swords known as 'Potter' swords, used as noted by loyalist forces and the units sent from Great Britain.

The second is the form from 1770s into 80s with guard bars added, in this time the cavalry still did not have light and heavy cavalry technically (until the so called 1788 'patterns'), so distribution is unclear.

With the question regarding Wyatt is well placed, and I have seen articles in Man At Arms magazine of him, as course as well as Potter. I'll see if I can get to them to check on details.

I hope Glen comes in on this as he is the resident expert on early American swords.

NOTE: unusual pommel on yours, corresponds more to Scottish basket hilts much earlier.

Jim McDougall · Today, 01:06 AM

Now I recall those posts over the years, and that I looked everyplace for a Wyatt, I think it was Peterson in "The American Sword" that mentioned Wyatt (Joseph) was a silversmith in Philadelphia. As often the case, these guys often acted as cutlers and used various components in assembling swords as required. As British subjects they of course in various cases supplied the British regiments posted abroad in the colonies.

There were a number of apparently more prolific makers such as Potter, Rose, Pettibone. As far as who used the swords made by these men, not sure how that material would be discovered especially as obviously there were reasons for not keeping such records with disparity in sides taken.

Knowing which units might have used the swords by specific makers would take a good deal of study of the history of the Revolution and the units engaging in certain events and campaigns. Sourcing to Philadelphia simply relates to the information suggesting Wyatt being located there, where his swords went and to whom would be difficult to determine, but like everything, who knows what information lurks out there!

Yesterday, 04:13 PM	#1
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 407	1770's-80's British Cavalry Sword for ID This sword has not given up much in the way of what regiments used it or the Wyatt name on the blade. I have posted this years ago and thought there maybe information that has come to light since then so I'm giving it another shot!! The sword is marked A/57 on the slotted guard, and on the scabbard locket. The blade still sharp is 36" long, curved and with a clip point. The name WYATT in capitals is stamped on the blade ricasso. One interesting detail is the buff leather strap on the scabbard having a slot in the strap for attachment. I have not found another example in my American sword ref books. I did see an identical sword in relic condition, without the Wyatt mark at Cribbs auction a few years ago, however was not able to add any info. Having no access to American museums that hold swords limits my research. The sword was sourced in Philadelphia. Was it a sword of the 16th or 17th Light Dragoons, or one of the many other Loyalist mounted units? My intent is to tie it to a regiment and possibly find other examples. Attached Images

Yesterday, 04:41 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,672	Will, great find!!! Wyatt was I think a New York maker who like Potter produced swords for loyalist forces during the Revolution. As of course, America was a British colonial entity, these kinds of commercial enterprises were not selectively characterized necessarily. The form follows the typical British dragoon swords of the 1770s known as the 'four slot' group. The first example is likely a prototype 'light dragoon' for the units selected for the first such units such as the 15th in 1759, this probably 1760s and IMO likely Jeffries in London, using German blade. This corresponds remarkably to the swords known as 'Potter' swords, used as noted by loyalist forces and the units sent from Great Britain. The second is the form from 1770s into 80s with guard bars added, in this time the cavalry still did not have light and heavy cavalry technically (until the so called 1788 'patterns'), so distribution is unclear. With the question regarding Wyatt is well placed, and I have seen articles in Man At Arms magazine of him, as course as well as Potter. I'll see if I can get to them to check on details. I hope Glen comes in on this as he is the resident expert on early American swords. NOTE: unusual pommel on yours, corresponds more to Scottish basket hilts much earlier. Attached Images

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Today, 01:06 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,672	Now I recall those posts over the years, and that I looked everyplace for a Wyatt, I think it was Peterson in "The American Sword" that mentioned Wyatt (Joseph) was a silversmith in Philadelphia. As often the case, these guys often acted as cutlers and used various components in assembling swords as required. As British subjects they of course in various cases supplied the British regiments posted abroad in the colonies. There were a number of apparently more prolific makers such as Potter, Rose, Pettibone. As far as who used the swords made by these men, not sure how that material would be discovered especially as obviously there were reasons for not keeping such records with disparity in sides taken. Knowing which units might have used the swords by specific makers would take a good deal of study of the history of the Revolution and the units engaging in certain events and campaigns. Sourcing to Philadelphia simply relates to the information suggesting Wyatt being located there, where his swords went and to whom would be difficult to determine, but like everything, who knows what information lurks out there!