English Short Saber

VAFO00000344_D_2.jpg
VAFO00000344.jpg

Title

English Short Saber

Description

This hilt illustrates some of the fine cut steel work from England contemporary with the last years of the War for Independence. The spaces between its side branches are now filled with prolific designs creating a semi-basket guard which also expands inboard. The urn-shaped pommel, too, is part of the styling which gained favor in this decade. Fish skin covers the almost recangular grip, and ropes of copper wire wind through its channels. The straight double-fullered blade predates the hilt. Its visible markings read "HOU...FEC" (Possibly for "Hounslow").

Length: 38 1/8"
Blade: 31 5/8" X 1 1/4"
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Hilt: Steel.

Source

George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 110. (147.S)

Date

c. 1780-1790

Rights

George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park

Identifier

VAFO 344

Original Format

Photograph