Federal Period US Infantry Officer Sword with Original Scabbard
Item #: WR911
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This is a Federal Period pillow pommel US Infantry officer's saber made by Thomas Gill II of Birmingham, England. Gill was active in business in Birmingham from 1767 until his death in 1801. This US Infantry Officer's Spadroon style sword measures 38 1/2" overall, with a blade length of 32 7/8". The blade is straight with a flat spine and measures 1 1/8" at the guard. It is a single edged blade with a stopped fuller that runs nearly the entire length of the blade. The edge of the blade has a couple of minute nicks, felt more than seen. The blade retains about 70% of the bluing and over 95% of the gilt in the etchings. The obverse side of the blade features three floral designs beginning at the ricasso, followed by an eagle holding a banner in it's beak, the words E PLURIBUS ENUM displayed on it. There are 15 stars surrounding the eagle. The reverse side of the blade has more floral designs at the ricasso, followed by a stand of arms and more floral designs. The remainder of the blade retains quite a bit of the original bright finish, with one small area of pitting just forward of the bluing on the reverse side. The blade has never been sharpened. The makers mark of a block G used by Gill is found on the obverse ricasso. The brass guard and pillow pommel cap have a beautiful, untouched deep golden patina. There are just traces of the the silver plating on the guard, knucklebow and pommel cap. The leather throat washer is missing. The guard and pommel cap are loose on the tang, causing some deflection when handled. The grip is made of reeded bone, and is missing one small chip on the top just forward of the pommel cap. The peen is unmolested, as is the entire sword. The leather scabbard has survived quite well, usually you don't see them. The rear stitched leather is a little weak in the center, but is not damaged in any way. The brass mounts and drag are securely in place and show quite a bit of the silver plating. In addition to the small brass rings, the scabbard is also provisioned with a stub to be used with a frog. Overall this is an excellent example of a Federal Period pillow pommel sword that was manufactured in England for the US Army that most likely saw service during the War of 1812. It will complement any sword collection.
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