AMERICAN OFFICER'S FIVE-BALL BROADSWORD CA.1800

This early 19th c. American officer's pillow pommel sword is almost certainly a product of an English cutler. The quality of the blade and the fine execution of decoration are indicative of a good London or Birmingham maker. Blade is 33.5" long, of the broadsword variety, with a deep median fuller on either side, and is profusely decorated with the gilt imagery of American vernacular, Indian headdress, eagle, Phrygian cap, etc. The blue and gilt are covered with patina. The hilt shows traces of silver-wash, grip has a vertical split along the long axis on the back. This is a rarely seen type, dating to the the War of 1812.