Beschreibung:

31" straight single-edged blade with fuller. Both sides etched with martial and floral motifs; obverse engraved with maker's initials "W.H.H. & S." (William H. Horstmann & Sons) and "Philadelphia" on the reverse. Retains a red cloth scabbard washer. The marks date the sword between 1843 and 1859. The cast brass hilt is gilt finished with a floral embossed "D" guard and eagle head qullion, counter guard has a palmetto tree and date "1776" in bold relief with a border of scrolled elements. The pommel is a classical bust of Liberty in scale armor and Phrygian cap. Grips covered in mother-of-pearl scales. Complete with gilt-finished brass scabbard engraved in floral designs with two hanger rings and a spear point frog stud. Reverse marked "HORSTMANN" and numbered "425." An attractive sword with unquestionable antebellum southern provenance. A similar sword using some of the same hilt elements can be seen in Furr, American Swords & Makers' Marks, pg. 46, plate #66. Condition: Very good. Blade in bright finish with minor nicks on the cutting edge. Gray age spots on the etched panel. Minor scabbard dents and age spots.