Lot 171
  • 171

An unusual American silver-hilted Light Dragoon Officer's Sabre, Joseph Moulton, Newburyport, Mass., circa 1800-1805

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description

  • stamped twice on guard J.M. within a cartouche
  • Metal, Cow Leather
  • Hilt: about 5 in.; Blade: 28 3/4 in., Width 1 1/16 in.; Overall: 33 1/2 in.
Sohlingen marked blade with engraved decoration of Order of Garter motifs; the silver guard pierced four times, scalloped edges throughout; flat cap type pommel and extended back-strap encloses a grip tightly bound by twisted silver-wires; original leather scabbard with tooled decoration and all three original silver mounts

Provenance

Acquired by Dr. Lattimer from Walter O'Connor, Spring 1963
Lattimer, No. 145

Literature

Hartzler, p. 136, no. 234

Condition

Order of Garter motifs on blade largely effaced
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Joseph Moulton, Newburyport, Mass., (1744-1816) - see Kane, Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers, pp. 714-716.

The unusual silver guard is reminiscent of the guard found on a French sword of c. 1780 (see Southwick, The Price Guide, p. 98, No. 254) and on Austrian Dragoon Officers sabres, Model 1798 (see Wagner, Cut and Thrust Weapons, plates 46 and 47).