A Silver-Hilted Lion Pommel Mounted Officer's Sabre, the blade by James Potter, Maiden Lane, New York, the Silver Hilt Propbably English, circa 1765-70

large and highly defined silver lion-head pommel surmounting a grip wrapped with ray-skin shagreen, black leather scabbard with large silver mount with line-decorations and frog

Charles D. Pelton, Watertown, NY
The Leonard Pelton Collection, No. 3
Acquired by Dr. John K. Lattimer from Leonard Pelton, May 1968.
(Lattimer, No. 305)

Hartzler, p.160, No. 268

blade minutely tipped, one branch of the guard split; scabbard broken, lacking about 5 in. at tip, and one edge opened
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.

The marking of POTTER on the ricasso is that of James Potter, Maiden Lane, New York. A Loyalist, Potter remained in New York City during the occupation by British forces. Potter's blades are more regularly seen (though still rare) on iron-hilted enlisted-man's or horseman's sabers, thus the combination of a silver-hilt on a Potter blade is quite rare.

The unmarked silver hilt has affinities with the work of George Fayle of London.