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Post by aspaulding on Feb 2, 2023 16:45:56 GMT
Hello, I recently purchased this spadroon and had a couple of questions for the experts. I have seen the late 18th century 5 ball spadroons that look similar to this example. Mine of course does not have the 5 ball hilt. So my questions are, what model and location is this example of a spadroon from? Also there is a knot that is with it. Do you'll think it is original? Thank you for any input you could give.
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Post by aspaulding on Feb 2, 2023 16:46:59 GMT
I should also add there is no maker marks on the blade.Thank you
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Post by bas on Feb 2, 2023 20:43:35 GMT
That's a nice looking spadroon Aspaulding, you mention there are no makers markings on the blade, which regrettably is all too common. However is there any etching or other form of decoration on it?
Without trying to present myself as an expert, the following are my observations:
If we could verify it as a British officers sword by the blade decorations, I would categorise this as a 1786 Pattern infantry officer's spadroon. This however is a very loose classification as the 1786 regulation only specified a sword with a straight cut and thrust blade, no less than one inch wide at the base and a minimum of 31 inches long. For the hilt, all that was said was the metal of the guard had to match the buttons of the uniform.
Before 1786, swords were not an official part of the officer's uniform, and they carried pretty much what they liked. The 1786 regulation changed this following experience in the American Revolution, and it is widely accepted that the more popular swords of the day were made official (Something that was repeated with the 1788 pattern cavalry swords and the 1803 infantry officers sabre).
The pillow pommel is typical of the British swords of the 1780s-1800s, but it was also copied to a limited extent outside of Great Britain. The checkering of the ivory grip sets your sword apart from those typically seen in the United Kingdom. British swords of this time tended to be reeded, which makes me think it could either be French or an export to the USA.
No, I don't know which country the sword knot belongs to, but the condition is too new for it to have come from a 240-year-old sword.
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Post by aspaulding on Feb 2, 2023 22:32:06 GMT
Thank you for the all the information. There is no engravings or marks of any kind on the blade. I am interested in the guard containing a pierced diamond. I have read somewhere that it may be a trade mark of Francis Thurkle. I wish it just had some type of mark somewhere.
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