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Post by jcbarnett on Nov 17, 2012 5:17:57 GMT
I am researching an American(?) swordmaker that may have been active between 1770-1790 in New England. I have seen 4 swords marked "DEMSEY", 2 were sold at auction houses and 2 on eBay. the 2 sold at the auction houses described their respective "DEMSEY" swords as from 1770-1790 period, and one of the eBay auctions just stated it was an "18th century" sword. Unfortunately I cannot find any background on a maker or retailer named Demsey. Anyone have a reference or idea who DEMSEY was?
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Post by jcbarnett on Nov 25, 2012 0:35:43 GMT
Here are some photos of the four DEMSEY swords I have seen. One I own. I have included a couple inset shots that show the DEMSEY mark. The top one is an American silver-hilted eagle pommel hunting sword, circa 1770-80, with a curved 26 3/4 inch double fullered blade marked DEMSEY. Sold recently for US $ 5,557 at BONHAMS. The next one is what I believe to be an American sword from the Federal Period, 1784-1810, that was possibly a Flank Officer sword somewhat based on the 1796 British Light Cavalry but with a 27-inch double-fullered flatter curved naval style blade. Signed DEMSEY on blade just under langlet. Any additional ideas on this sword would be appreciated. The third is a Silver Mounted Cuttoe, circa 1770-1790, with a 17 inch double fullered blade, marked DEMSEY at the ricasso. Described as a nice interesting piece from the Revolutionary War period. The bottom one is an early antique small sword signed DEMSEY on blade next to the guard. Has sterling silver guard, and lions head. Handle is rosewood, but most of the guard is missing, and lion head is damaged. Measures 32 & 3/4" long, and has a 27" blade. This maker DEMSEY baffles me. I cannot find any info on the maker yet I can find swords with his signature. I recently saw some older auction listings for some other swords marked DEMSEY but the pics are long gone. They too were supposedly late-1700's. ANY help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS! Attachments:
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Post by Dave Kelly on Nov 25, 2012 22:48:48 GMT
Haven't remarked here because I'm afraid I don't have anything to give you. Tried my limited resources and haven't found anything. You mentioned Bonham's. They sold it without info on the maker's mark?
Consider asking G Gedney of Mt Misery Sutler's if they have any knowledge or interest in references.
Sailor in Saddle is a Rhode Island antiques dealer who has got heavy into 18th Century American edged weapons. Might be worth seeing if he might be willing to engage with you.
Dealer in Pennsylvannia names Reagan whose URL I can't find right now... :roll:
Sorry; wish I could be more useful. :oops:
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Post by jcbarnett on Nov 27, 2012 5:33:55 GMT
Bonhams advised me there was limited documentation on the maker - it was part of a larger collection of Revolutionary War swords - The William H. Guthman Collection. They did mention to check Hartzler's book - Silver Mounted Swords, The Lattimer Family Collection - specifically Figure 208. It may be another Demsey sword but that was all they said. Unfortunately I do not have access to that book. I have written Sailor In Saddle twice but he has not responded - which is bothersome, especially since I have purchased two swords from him this year. You'd think he would be a little courteous  |
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Post by Dave Kelly on Nov 27, 2012 22:17:21 GMT
Truth to tell I've found most antiques dealers to be most gregarious and friendly BEFORE they close. :lol:
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Post by jcbarnett on Jan 15, 2013 14:43:08 GMT
Update on Demsey - After conferring with Richard Bezdek, he feels that Demsey was most likely a retailer in England and my Demsey marked sword is is likely a U.S. Artillery officers sword circa 1810. He believes it may have been imported from england before the war of 1812 with the reverse p hilt as approved by the U.S. ordanance chief in 1807.
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Post by Kilted Cossack on Jan 15, 2013 22:20:00 GMT
This sounds like a question for Glen C over at Myarmoury.com. His particular fascination is the eagle headed sabers from that time frame, but I'd bet he could get more information for you.
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