Name/Title
saberEntry/Object ID
1941.043.002Description
Saber. Used by Philip Jones III, (1780-1838) possibly French, c. 1810-1820. A: Saber. 37.5"h x 5.25"w x 1.25"d. Curved 34" blade is single-edged with a rudimentary false edge extending back 9.5" from the point. A very broad fuller begins after a .325" ricasso and runs to a point 4" past the beginning of the false edge. The blade is ornamented in gilt etching with floral sprays above "WARRANTED", an American eagle with a shield enclosing 17 stars beneath a ribbon bearing the inscription "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" and ending with a scroll. The reverse is similarly decorated with floral sprays and military trophies. The anterior half of the blade is blued, ending in a decorative scroll. The blade has been sharpened. The eagle head pommel with backstrap, the reverse P knuckle bow with [missing word], langets embossed with a flower, and the ferrule of cast brass [missing word?] retain some original silvering. The ivory grips are shaped to fit the hand and are carved with decorative lines. B: Scabbard. 32.75"h x 2.25"w x 0.75"d. The leather scabbard retains its silvered brass mounts with scalloped edges; there is no drag. The silvered sword knot is original.Acquisition
Accession
1941.043Source or Donor
Fenby, PhilenaAcquisition Method
GiftGeneral Notes
Note
Original deed of gift reads "sword from Philip Jones family." Edged weaponry inventory 1989: "Early 19th century officer's saber with eagle head pommel, gilted & etched blade, saber knot and leather scabbard. It appears to date prior to 1821 and is a one of a kind piece." Harold Peterson, The American Sword, page 63. Is similar to this sword.