MEDICUS-FLAYDERMAN MILITIA INFANTRY OFFICER’S SWORD
Ca 1821-40
Museum Deaccession from the Philip Medicus Collection
Presented is a rare non-regulation Roman helmet
pommel Militia Infantry officer’s sword with straight single edged bade, with rudimentary mostly floral engravings, having
a prominent single fuller. The down turned clam shell, counter guard, has a large heraldic American eagle with shield and
arrows and an olive branch in its talons which forms into the knuckle-bow. The point at which it attachés to the helmet
is loose. It originally had a silver plated hilt, a scabbard, and most likely its blade had blue and gilding which
no longer is present. The Mother of Pearl grips are wire wrapped, and there is one small chip at the rear where it abuts
the pommel. There are the remnants of white paint on the back strap. The helmet has a large plume at the back. There is no
scabbard. Based on records, the original scabbard went missing prior to its purchase by the museum.
pommel Militia Infantry officer’s sword with straight single edged bade, with rudimentary mostly floral engravings, having
a prominent single fuller. The down turned clam shell, counter guard, has a large heraldic American eagle with shield and
arrows and an olive branch in its talons which forms into the knuckle-bow. The point at which it attachés to the helmet
is loose. It originally had a silver plated hilt, a scabbard, and most likely its blade had blue and gilding which
no longer is present. The Mother of Pearl grips are wire wrapped, and there is one small chip at the rear where it abuts
the pommel. There are the remnants of white paint on the back strap. The helmet has a large plume at the back. There is no
scabbard. Based on records, the original scabbard went missing prior to its purchase by the museum.
Approximately,
fifteen percent of its silver wash, and none of the bluing and gilding remains. The accession number, E56.3.1, appears
on the front of the reverse side of the guard.
PROVENANCE: Purchased by Norm Flayderman, Wallingford Hall, Kennebunk, Maine on September 8, 1956; “From the most
important American Sword Collection of Philip Medicus, New York, New York”. Then to a museum, Accession number E56.3.1. Deacession
to benefit the Museum Collection Fund.
important American Sword Collection of Philip Medicus, New York, New York”. Then to a museum, Accession number E56.3.1. Deacession
to benefit the Museum Collection Fund.
Ref. Flayderman, Norm. “American Swords From the Philip Medicus Collection”. Mowbray Publishers,
1998. Page 128, plate 60c.
DIMENSIONS: Length of blade 31 1/2″ False
edge 15“ Width 3/4” Thickness 3/8″ Length overall 37″ The hilt is 5 1/4″ Weight 1 lb 4 oz
1998. Page 128, plate 60c.
DIMENSIONS: Length of blade 31 1/2″ False
edge 15“ Width 3/4” Thickness 3/8″ Length overall 37″ The hilt is 5 1/4″ Weight 1 lb 4 oz
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Ornate Mother of Pearl
hilt with Roman Helmet Pommel some silver wash |
BLADE: The straight single edge blade, has a 15” false
edge with a large single fuller, 15 1/2″ x 1/2″ that has none of its bluing and gilding. It has rudimentary
military and floral engravings about one third its length on both sides. Its color ranges from light to dark gunmetal
grey with some small darker splotches, but no rust or pitting.
edge with a large single fuller, 15 1/2″ x 1/2″ that has none of its bluing and gilding. It has rudimentary
military and floral engravings about one third its length on both sides. Its color ranges from light to dark gunmetal
grey with some small darker splotches, but no rust or pitting.
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Engravings
on the blade do not show in the photos, but are visible to the naked eye |
with plume at back and long staright blade
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:The American Eagle-Pommel
Sword by E. Andrew Mowbray
The American Sword, 1775-1945, by Harold E. Peterson
FLAT RATE INSURED SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States $20.00
