American Sword with 1803 Style Cross Guard

Jim McDougall · 19th May 2017, 08:32 AM

Actually I did see the Widmann of Philadelphia examples in Mowbray, but when it was noted these were from around 1840s, I wondered why a hilt so close in character to the British M1803 would be used that late. While British makers still produced for American clients prior to the War of 1812, that patronage did not seem likely after that (at least not until the Civil War).

The 'warranted' on the blade as far as I had known was included in blade motif as mentioned from the so called 'sword scandals' of the 1780s and into early years of 1800s involving British reactions to German blade imports vs. British produced blades. Thomas Gill led by proclaiming the quality of his blades above German, and marking his blades 'warranted never to fail'. Other makers in Birmingham followed but used only the word warranted. This practice went on into about the first decade of the 19th century, but seems to have ceased in those years by about 1815.

It seems ironic that Germany would be using the same term in their products after it had been used initially to pronounce British superiority to their blades. I had no idea it was then geared toward US markets.

The case for parts and blades being used for years by various vendors and makers makes sense, and may well account for these kinds of anomalies. As noted, there were so many variations of the eagle heads and other components, and few regulations for officers swords, so there again the identification dilemma seems rather understandable.

I appreciate Glen's insight here, and while it seemed logical to presume the Ketland & Co. possibility, the mitigating circumstances he has described present other probabilities at hand as well.

No matter what, this sword is a beauty!!!

PS....Glen thank you for the well detailed references and bibliography. It really helps for those who wish to research further on these forms.

19th May 2017, 08:32 AM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,954	Actually I did see the Widmann of Philadelphia examples in Mowbray, but when it was noted these were from around 1840s, I wondered why a hilt so close in character to the British M1803 would be used that late. While British makers still produced for American clients prior to the War of 1812, that patronage did not seem likely after that (at least not until the Civil War). The 'warranted' on the blade as far as I had known was included in blade motif as mentioned from the so called 'sword scandals' of the 1780s and into early years of 1800s involving British reactions to German blade imports vs. British produced blades. Thomas Gill led by proclaiming the quality of his blades above German, and marking his blades 'warranted never to fail'. Other makers in Birmingham followed but used only the word warranted. This practice went on into about the first decade of the 19th century, but seems to have ceased in those years by about 1815. It seems ironic that Germany would be using the same term in their products after it had been used initially to pronounce British superiority to their blades. I had no idea it was then geared toward US markets. The case for parts and blades being used for years by various vendors and makers makes sense, and may well account for these kinds of anomalies. As noted, there were so many variations of the eagle heads and other components, and few regulations for officers swords, so there again the identification dilemma seems rather understandable. I appreciate Glen's insight here, and while it seemed logical to presume the Ketland & Co. possibility, the mitigating circumstances he has described present other probabilities at hand as well. No matter what, this sword is a beauty!!! PS....Glen thank you for the well detailed references and bibliography. It really helps for those who wish to research further on these forms.