This Fine Relic Has Been Sold. Thank you!
EARLY U.S. EAGLE HEAD "KETLAND" SABER
Mounted Infantry Officer ~ Ca 1805
Presented is a very early example of an unmarked eagle head
pommel saber. Its sharply curved blade's 1 5/16" width is wider then normal and its very long overall length of 36 3/4 inches
when housed in the scabbard indicates it was for a mounted officer. One section of the gilding is decidedly American heraldic
engraving comprised of a gilded American Shield, Flag, Cannon barrel and Oak leaves.
The original Ketland sword was part of the famous Philip Medicus Collection
which was purchased by Norm Flayderman in 1955 and later sold off piecemeal. The Medicus sword was
marked Ketland on the blade, but the eagle pommel, hilt, wedge shaped blade tang, bone reeding, knuckle guard, and blued
and gilded decoration are matches to this example.
It is pictured on pages 106 and 107 of
the "American Eagle Pommel Sword, The Early Years, 1794-1830" by Mowbray with an introduction by Flayderman
BRIEF HISTORY: William Ketland & Co. was active in Birmingham,
England as a gun maker as early as 1780. The father and grandson, both William, had died by 1804 and the firm passed to a
brother-in-law, Thomas Izon, who traded under the Ketland & Co., name until 1831 when operations ceased. Sword
making by the firm dates from the earliest days of 1804 as part of Izon's success in dealing in the American Trade. He
likely had help of family members, John and Thomas, living in Philadelphia and importers such as G.
Upson in New York.
CONDITION: The brass elements of
the hilt have a dark patina of age. The blade is firm in the hilt. There are only a few remnants of the silver plate, mostly
on the eagle's cheek, that covered the metalwork which indicates its infantry lineage. The saber's length is too
long for anything, but a mounted officer. The very high quality and sharpness of the features of the eagle and the rest of
the metalwork's handle design suggest that this sword was made from an original mold in the early days of production before
the quality of later castings was diminished. The grips have a careful reeding, show no "rabbit furring" and may be of
Ivory. The grip has a nice yellow patina. The bluing, gold gilding and silvering on the blade are about 90
percent present, but faded. The simple etched designs are of American Heraldry consisting of a gilded American Shield,
Flag, Cannon barrel and Oak leaves with other sprayed foliage.
The blade's blued surface has areas of roughness of solidified rust which shows in
the photos. The fighting edge is smooth and at one time sharp. It has a gilded stripe along the edge. Towards the
polished portion, the blade has age spotting and some imperfections. The companion brass scabbard with two
carrying rings has a flat drag, some minor dents and the remnants of a silver wash. It is in good condition.
This is a rare example of an early Ketland
eagle headed 1805 American sword
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Detail of Ketland eagle head in book | |
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DIMENSIONS: Saber 35 3/4" long overall. 30
3/4" blade length
In scabbard 36 3/4"
Weight 2 1/4 lbs
Max width of blade 1 5/16" Max thickness 1/4"
Fuller 5/8" W x 23 1/2" L
Bluing 14 7/8" L
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Close
up of Ivory grip, knuckle guard and wedged shaped tang on pommel | |
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American Shield, Flag, Cannon and Oak leaves | |
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OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE:
If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its
original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is
required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.
International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico,
New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USVI and
the Eastern Caribbean.
ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which
case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on big ticket items.
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Copyright 2008 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved |
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