US Eagle-head Infantry Officer’s Sword, ca. 1830-40

Description

Featuring cast brass hilt with downward curved shell guard decorated with eagle and shield
surrounded by foliage; integral ornate knuckle bow attached to the pommel with open
beak. Smooth bone grip with faceted base ferrule. Unmarked and undecorated slender,
double-edged 28″ blade of lens section with very sharp point (smooth, with minor age
staining). Original silver-plated brass scabbard (one small dent) with twin carry rings
attached on opposite sides; decorated brass drag. This unmarked example probably by
Frederick William Widmann, a German cutler who immigrated to Philadelphia in 1816. He
passed away in 1848 and Horstmann & Sons, also of Philadelphia, acquired his tools and
fixtures, as well as many of his workers. Some of Widmann’s designs were incorporated
into some of the Horstmann swords. Very good condition; the brass with dark brown
patina. Overall length 33 1/2″.