Sword identification

JesseS · 9th February 2015, 07:02 PM

Can anyone help identify the maker and approximate date of this sword?

The sword was given to US Army Brig. Gen. Robert Swartwout, probably during the War of 1812, by US Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur. The sword had been taken by Decatur as a token of surrender from a Barbary pirate captain whose ship was captured by Decatur during the war with Tripoli in 1804.

Gen. Swartwout unfortunately changed the hilt so that he could use the sword as his personal dress sword. The sword passed down through the Swartwout family and I inherited it.

The sword is engraved with the "Spanish motto" "No Me Satues Sin Rason" and "No Me Enbaines Sin Honor." The engraving is nearly identical in appearance to that on the sword of Jeff D, whose sword is shown in the following thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=spanish+motto

The difference in the engraving is that, while Jeff's sword has a "sun and moon" motif attributed to Solingen, mine has a different motif that I can't describe in words, so I'll let the photos do the talking.

If anyone can identify the maker from the engraved motif, I would be most grateful. It's shown in the last photo below, and is the same on both sides of the sword.

Battara · 9th February 2015, 11:45 PM

It would be helpful to see pictures of the sword.

JesseS · 10th February 2015, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

It would be helpful to see pictures of the sword.

Pics are up now, sorry for the delay.

fernando · 10th February 2015, 12:10 PM

Thi is most certainly an European blade, Jesse.
Let's move this thread to the European Forum, to see if members there come around with their comments.

fernando · 10th February 2015, 12:33 PM

Until better opinion, i would bet on the Solingen origin, such as used for export.
The symbols (Solingen Orb type) are unusual, although recognisable by some.
It looks like they are connected to something more defined than the usual generic stuff.
May i put it upright ?
... and maybe with time you can get a better picture ?

.

fernando · 10th February 2015, 12:46 PM

Have you visited this thread, Jesse ?

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5453

9th February 2015, 07:02 PM	#1
JesseS Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 5	Sword identification Can anyone help identify the maker and approximate date of this sword? The sword was given to US Army Brig. Gen. Robert Swartwout, probably during the War of 1812, by US Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur. The sword had been taken by Decatur as a token of surrender from a Barbary pirate captain whose ship was captured by Decatur during the war with Tripoli in 1804. Gen. Swartwout unfortunately changed the hilt so that he could use the sword as his personal dress sword. The sword passed down through the Swartwout family and I inherited it. The sword is engraved with the "Spanish motto" "No Me Satues Sin Rason" and "No Me Enbaines Sin Honor." The engraving is nearly identical in appearance to that on the sword of Jeff D, whose sword is shown in the following thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=spanish+motto The difference in the engraving is that, while Jeff's sword has a "sun and moon" motif attributed to Solingen, mine has a different motif that I can't describe in words, so I'll let the photos do the talking. If anyone can identify the maker from the engraved motif, I would be most grateful. It's shown in the last photo below, and is the same on both sides of the sword. Attached Images Last edited by JesseS; 10th February 2015 at 04:28 AM.

10th February 2015, 12:33 PM	#5
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Until better opinion, i would bet on the Solingen origin, such as used for export. The symbols (Solingen Orb type) are unusual, although recognisable by some. It looks like they are connected to something more defined than the usual generic stuff. May i put it upright ? ... and maybe with time you can get a better picture ? . Attached Images

9th February 2015, 11:45 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	It would be helpful to see pictures of the sword.

10th February 2015, 12:10 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thi is most certainly an European blade, Jesse. Let's move this thread to the European Forum, to see if members there come around with their comments.

10th February 2015, 12:46 PM	#6
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Have you visited this thread, Jesse ? http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5453