Large Eagle Head Sword for ID

Terry K · 22nd January 2017, 04:30 AM

A friend just took this on trade yesterday. I was going to see another eagle head sword but he traded it. I had to buy it. Would it be English made for US market? I believe it is circa 1815. Has maker/ distributors name lightly stamped on top edge of blade. Anyone know who it is? He thought it was naval because of shell on cross guard and gold coloring but I told him not necessarily.Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Terry

Terry K · 22nd January 2017, 05:14 AM

I'm sorry. Blade is approx. 31inches long with one fuller and straight. Pretty heavy. Bone handle

Jim McDougall · 23rd January 2017, 04:51 AM

I was hoping maybe Glen C would come in on this, and don't have all my stuff on American swords handy. From what I see it does seem like a British made sword (the name on the blade may be Wooley) and the time frame right, Federal period c.1815. The 'shell' on the guard unusual but could be naval I suppose, I was thinking more acanthus leaf. The leaves on the heater type shield langet would seem to have fouled anchor if naval.
The wire wrapped bone grip interesting, and the type eagle head seems to resemble Widmann (Philadelphia) style.
It does not seem American eagle heads usually have the guard terminal in beak.
Hope I can find more or Glen shows up.

Terry K · 23rd January 2017, 06:44 AM

Thanks much Jim!
That's what I told him about it not having any anchors on it. I do wonder if the scabbard is replaced as the anchor could have been on it.
Terry

Terry K · 23rd January 2017, 01:51 PM

Here are a few other pics.

Jim McDougall · 24th January 2017, 05:23 PM

Terry, I have not forgotten this quandary and will try to get to my references asap!! Thanks for the patience......Glen, where are ya?!!

Will M · 25th January 2017, 02:18 PM

Another possibility for maker is Hadley.

Terry K · 25th January 2017, 02:55 PM

Mowbray has a eagle head on page 84 number "8" (Honor Sword) that shows a ball end style knuckle guard in it's beak

22nd January 2017, 04:30 AM	#1
Terry K Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86	Large Eagle Head Sword for ID A friend just took this on trade yesterday. I was going to see another eagle head sword but he traded it. I had to buy it. Would it be English made for US market? I believe it is circa 1815. Has maker/ distributors name lightly stamped on top edge of blade. Anyone know who it is? He thought it was naval because of shell on cross guard and gold coloring but I told him not necessarily.Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Terry Attached Images

23rd January 2017, 01:51 PM	#5
Terry K Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86	Here are a few other pics. Attached Images

22nd January 2017, 05:14 AM	#2
Terry K Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86	I'm sorry. Blade is approx. 31inches long with one fuller and straight. Pretty heavy. Bone handle

23rd January 2017, 04:51 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	I was hoping maybe Glen C would come in on this, and don't have all my stuff on American swords handy. From what I see it does seem like a British made sword (the name on the blade may be Wooley) and the time frame right, Federal period c.1815. The 'shell' on the guard unusual but could be naval I suppose, I was thinking more acanthus leaf. The leaves on the heater type shield langet would seem to have fouled anchor if naval. The wire wrapped bone grip interesting, and the type eagle head seems to resemble Widmann (Philadelphia) style. It does not seem American eagle heads usually have the guard terminal in beak. Hope I can find more or Glen shows up.

23rd January 2017, 06:44 AM	#4
Terry K Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86	Thanks much Jim! That's what I told him about it not having any anchors on it. I do wonder if the scabbard is replaced as the anchor could have been on it. Terry

24th January 2017, 05:23 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	Terry, I have not forgotten this quandary and will try to get to my references asap!! Thanks for the patience......Glen, where are ya?!!

25th January 2017, 02:18 PM	#7
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 390	Another possibility for maker is Hadley.

25th January 2017, 02:55 PM	#8
Terry K Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86	Mowbray has a eagle head on page 84 number "8" (Honor Sword) that shows a ball end style knuckle guard in it's beak