1780's Brit/Irish/American? cavalry sword

M ELEY · 11th June 2016, 11:41 PM

I still say (from my earlier opinion!) that it's British, based on the quality, hilt style/wrap and bun-shaped pommel (makes me think of Scot/Brit baskethilts). The clipped blade is a little bit of a conundrum, matching more of an American aspect of Amer naval swords of that 1790-1800 era (think "Baltimore" cutlasses). Perhaps this was made in the UK for the Americans? Not unheard of, they were doing that even when we were at war wit them!! Merchants had no such quarrels. Still, as you yourself pointed out, there are some finely made American pieces, especially post Revolution. At this period, Rose and Prahl were getting started making some of the best!

11th June 2016, 11:41 PM	#5
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	I still say (from my earlier opinion!) that it's British, based on the quality, hilt style/wrap and bun-shaped pommel (makes me think of Scot/Brit baskethilts). The clipped blade is a little bit of a conundrum, matching more of an American aspect of Amer naval swords of that 1790-1800 era (think "Baltimore" cutlasses). Perhaps this was made in the UK for the Americans? Not unheard of, they were doing that even when we were at war wit them!! Merchants had no such quarrels. Still, as you yourself pointed out, there are some finely made American pieces, especially post Revolution. At this period, Rose and Prahl were getting started making some of the best!