This Outstanding Silver Hilt, Eagle Head Has Been Sold. Thank you!   AMERICAN SILVER HILT DOCUMENTED EAGLE HEAD SABER Ca 1805 Presented is a very rare example of a Silver Hilt, eagle head saber that is 35 7/8“ long with a checked bone grip, knuckle bow guard, and a blued blade with gold embellishments marked Berger Paris. Clearly, this sword was used in combat as shown by the scars up and down the blade.  The pommel is fitted with a distinctively American made,eagle head with heavily chiseled features that are in sharp detail with a prominent turned down beak which continues into the backstrap. The tang comes through the top of the head. The head is hollow, and has a central seam at the front of the beak showing it was made in two pieces. It is heavier in weight than most Philadelphia eagle heads. The entire hilt has stood the test of time with only minor flaws and marks of age in the silver smithing. There is no scabbard.   Pictured is the sword being oferred. The resemblance to the one below is remarkable in detail   This eagle head is an exact twin to the one pictured on page 239 of “Silver Mounted Swords, The Lattimer Family Collection“ by Daniel D. Hartzler as shown below. This style eagle head as illustrated in “Silver Mounted Swords“ by Hartzler, Pg 239   Here is what author Hartzler reports Evan Lattimer saying:   Fig. 402   Backstrap piece with etching done in lines in close proximity. The beak is tuned down and smooth with a broad band that connects to the forehead. The feather decoration is done with multiple parallel wavy lines with much shading.  The backstrap is four-sided and tapers drastically below its mid section. The reverse P knuckle bow originates under the lower beak and tapers nicely on each side. The ivory grips are superbly checkered in overall high relief.  The 1" wide, curved blade has a single broad, shallow fuller and is etched on the obverse with a fern, a shield with two spears and a halberd, plus more fern. The bluing ends in curled back leaves. The reverse side has similar etching with a flag and all the etching is gold gilt over the bluing.  Hilt is 5". Total length is 41".  Evan Lattimer          The joint can be seen at the front of the beak. Note the imperfections on the  knuckle bow     Tang through the center pommel   Berger over Paris Imprint   THE GRIP is carved from a solid piece of bone and has a warm patina of age. It is tight in the hilt, and secure in the simple ferule and eagle pommel. The checkered carving and the band adjoining the eagle's neck are the same as pictured on page 239 of the Lattimer eagle of this design. The hilt is 4 1/2" The grip is 3 1/4" L x 7/8" T x 1 1/4" W   There are other close examples of this eagle in Peterson's “The American Sword 1775-1945“,   THE BLADE'S MARKINGS: The maker of the blade, A. Berger is a little known, but well respected sword maker, who operated in Paris, France in the early years of the Nineteenth Century. There are three references to him in The "American Eagle-Pommel Sword" by E. Andrew Mowbray and there are copies of Berger's advertisements which say he was associated with F. Backes successor to F. Delacour & Backes that appeared in French papers. ON THE OBVERSE: The blue blade is embellished with remaining gilding on the obverse with a fern, an American shield, two spears and a quiver of arrows, and then a second design which is all ferns and floral. Both these engravings remain. Just above the Ricasso, with the gilding lost,are two crossed flags with a cannon and florals at their base and under “WARRANTED”. ON THE REVERSE:  Berger over Paris is imprinted on the ricasso, and above that is the same two crossed flags with a cannon and florals. Above and partially gilded is a design of two crossed spears which is difficult to see because of rust. And above, a simple floral design. Blue gilded blade with America Heraldic symbols and combat scars   THE BLADE'S DIMENSIONS & CONDITION: The 1 1/8“ wide blade has a large single fuller 3/4" wide and 20“ long ending 9”behind the tip. The blade's edge is sharp for its entire length, and the false edge is sharp to the fuller. The length of the blade shows six significant scars of combat and other small nicks. There are patches of rust on both sides and roughness.   Close-ups of Gilded Heraldic Symbology. Top is from reverse side.     REFERENCES: Silver Mounted Swords, The Lattimer Family Collection by Daniel D. Hartzler The American Eagle-Pommel Sword by E. Andrew Mowbray The American Sword, 1775-1945, by Harold E. Peterson Swords & Blades of the American Revolution by George C. Neumann FLAT RATE INSURED SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States $35.00   OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but must inquire first.  You are responsible for knowing the import laws of your country. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item. Copyright 2012 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved