Lot 159
United States / England, Revolutionary War era, ca. 18th century CE. A distinguished officer's sword from the American Revolutionary period, bearing strong stylistic parallels to the dog-head pommel swords by famed cutler John Bailey. The grip is carved from elephant ivory, dyed a rich green, and topped with a sterling silver hound-head pommel. A single chain extends from the pommel and likely once attached to a now-missing guard to form a knuckle bow. The slightly curved, single-edged blade is of the hanger type. The widespread popularity of this style in both England and America is well-documented and famously exemplified by a similar green ivory handle sword carried by George Washington. This sword is accompanied by exceptional provenance, having descended through the family of First Lieutenant Samuel Blackman Jr. (1759-1837) of the First Connecticut Continental Regiment. Carefully preserved as a family heirloom for over two centuries, it stands as a remarkable artifact of Revolutionary heritage. Size: 31.5" L x 1.5" W (80 cm x 3.8 cm); silver quality: 93%.
This exceptional officer's sword, comes with superb provenance, having remained in the same American family for over two centuries. Originally owned by First Lieutenant Samuel Blackman Jr. (1759-1837) of the First Connecticut Continental Regiment, the sword has been passed down through generations. The lineage is well documented: from Blackman Jr., the sword probably descended to his grandson Charles Seymour Blackman (1837-1906), then to Alfred Atwater Blackman (1861-1928), a noted collector and great-great-grandson of the original owner. Alfred, whose family merged with the affluent Atwater line - was also a descendant of Canadian politician and businessman Edwin Atwater. In 1960, Alfred's widow gifted the sword collection to their grandson continuing this direct line of custodianship. Alfred Atwater Blackman is documented as the great-great-grandson of Samuel Blackman Jr. - according to "The Official Bulletin of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution" Volume IV, October 1909, page 18. This publication can be found online. A handwritten notebook cataloging the family's sword collection, penned by Alfred himself, further identifies this particular sword as having belonged to his Revolutionary War ancestor. The combination of direct familial attribution, clear provenance, and connection to a prominent Continental officer makes this sword a historically significant and exceptionally rare piece of early American heritage.
Compare to a stylistically similar example by John Bailey with a silver dog head pommel in the American Revolution Institute of the Society of Cincinnati collection. John Bailey was a prominent American cutler and sword maker active in the late 18th century, best known for crafting George Washington's elegant battle sword. Originally from England, Bailey immigrated to the American colonies and established a workshop in New York, where he earned a reputation for producing finely crafted swords, knives, and other edged weapons. At a time when imported arms were scarce, the superior quality of Bailey's craftsmanship stood out.
Provenance: private Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA collection, acquired via descent from grandfather
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#194059
- Condition: Damage and losses to the chain link attached to the pommel: missing a two links (replaced with pieces of wire). The 3 pronged ornament on the end is missing the tips and probably once attached to the guard, the guard is also missing. No marker marks or stamps. Stable pressure fissures on the ivory grip. Dark patina and toning to silver. Chips to the blade edge, but still sharp, handle with care. Handle is slightly loose and swivels slightly.
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