What's going on?

ariel · 6th December 2006, 12:04 AM

Just ended and for quite a lot of money:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...9249&rd=1&rd=1
Am I totally ignorant not to appreciate this "beauty"?
Sumatra?

Rick · 6th December 2006, 12:25 AM

Compare.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=290052899163

TVV · 6th December 2006, 04:01 AM

I do not have a book on the weapons used during the Revolutionary War, but from what I have seen in articles in Man-at-Arms this style of hilt seems to be consistent with what was produced and used by the colonists at the end of the 18th century. George Washington's "battle sword" was reportedly similar, only its hilt was more of a hunting sword variety.
I am sure more knowledgeable forumites will be able to tell us more about the sword in question and perhaps even its maker, as I believe he is identified on the scabbard throat.
Regards,
Teodor

ariel · 6th December 2006, 03:20 PM

Likely I AMtotally ignorant...

But, still, the throat of the scabbard looks just like Piso Podang's that I have, the lion looks more Asian/Indian than American, and the bone handle also looks to me quite "Asian".
Are you sure, guys, this is truly American?

Jim McDougall · 6th December 2006, 04:16 PM

This is ineed a Revolutionary War sabre, probably by John Read of Birmingham, England. It is extremely rare to see a British sabre with this type hilt and especially the blade, which is of the British favored center point form of this period. These type blades are usually seen on the straight blade backswords of the 1770's, although James Wooley used it on his M1788 light cavalry sabres. The lion head pommel very much British.

John Read favored the gadrooned ivory grips as seen here, as well as the brass hilt with scrolled bar guard. I have seen a typical British officers cavalry sword by Read with straight center point backsword blade, and nearly identical hilt.It is incredible to see a scabbard present.

Beautiful example of a British officers sabre of Revolutionary War period, and that price was a bargain!! I've seen such swords go for lots more, and what appears to be a rare example such as this would seem to have gone for very high sum.

Best Regards,
Jim

Andrew · 6th December 2006, 05:45 PM

I love sleepers!

M ELEY · 7th December 2006, 07:50 AM

Indeed, a beautiful sword. I was carefully watching it, hoping that it's complete misrepresentation would keep the bidding down. Alas, out of my price range...

Still, I did manage to pick up a nice colonial spike axe in another auction, so no tears!

6th December 2006, 12:04 AM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	What's going on? Just ended and for quite a lot of money: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...9249&rd=1&rd=1 Am I totally ignorant not to appreciate this "beauty"? Sumatra?

6th December 2006, 12:25 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,263	Compare. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=290052899163

6th December 2006, 04:01 AM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,599	I do not have a book on the weapons used during the Revolutionary War, but from what I have seen in articles in Man-at-Arms this style of hilt seems to be consistent with what was produced and used by the colonists at the end of the 18th century. George Washington's "battle sword" was reportedly similar, only its hilt was more of a hunting sword variety. I am sure more knowledgeable forumites will be able to tell us more about the sword in question and perhaps even its maker, as I believe he is identified on the scabbard throat. Regards, Teodor

6th December 2006, 03:20 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Likely I AMtotally ignorant... But, still, the throat of the scabbard looks just like Piso Podang's that I have, the lion looks more Asian/Indian than American, and the bone handle also looks to me quite "Asian". Are you sure, guys, this is truly American?

6th December 2006, 04:16 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,767	This is ineed a Revolutionary War sabre, probably by John Read of Birmingham, England. It is extremely rare to see a British sabre with this type hilt and especially the blade, which is of the British favored center point form of this period. These type blades are usually seen on the straight blade backswords of the 1770's, although James Wooley used it on his M1788 light cavalry sabres. The lion head pommel very much British. John Read favored the gadrooned ivory grips as seen here, as well as the brass hilt with scrolled bar guard. I have seen a typical British officers cavalry sword by Read with straight center point backsword blade, and nearly identical hilt.It is incredible to see a scabbard present. Beautiful example of a British officers sabre of Revolutionary War period, and that price was a bargain!! I've seen such swords go for lots more, and what appears to be a rare example such as this would seem to have gone for very high sum. Best Regards, Jim

6th December 2006, 05:45 PM	#6
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I love sleepers!

7th December 2006, 07:50 AM	#7
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,073	Indeed, a beautiful sword. I was carefully watching it, hoping that it's complete misrepresentation would keep the bidding down. Alas, out of my price range... Still, I did manage to pick up a nice colonial spike axe in another auction, so no tears!