English Horseman Saber
Fluting and pierced designs have been combined in this interesting semi-basket officer's hilt. Its knuckle bow's upper end is fastened to the pommel ring and adds three outboard branches plus a short inboard one as it descends to join the dished oval counterguard having spokes radiating to its outer circumference. The channeled grip, covered by shagreen (fish skin) is bound by a silver strip and two 3/8" ferrules. Its straight cut-and-thrust blade includes a short 6" back fuller and is marked "ANDRIA FARARA" (a common German forgery).
Length: 37 1/2"
Blade: 31 1/2 X 1 1/4"
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Hilt: Iron
<p class="MsoNormal">George C. Neumann, <em>Swords and Blades of the American Revolution,</em> (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 153. (275.S)</p>
Circa 1760-1780
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 451
Scottish Broadsword
The structure of this basket incorporates pierced designs showing interesting variations of key slots and stars. The segment tips in this case end at a center slot in the pommel (which does not encircle it entirely), and are not joined by a ring. Its long double-edged straight blade includes two 1/8" wide center fullers (10 1/2" long) which are inscribed "XX FERARA XX" on each side.
Length: 41 1/2"
Blade: 34 3/4" X 1 5/8"
Hilt: Iron
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
<p class="MsoNormal">George C. Neumann, <em>Swords and Blades of the American Revolution,</em> (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 141. (240.S)</p>
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 421