A RARE AMERICAN SILVER-HILTED ARTILLERY OFFICER'S HEAVY SABRE, ANDREW ELLICOTT WARNER, BALTIMORE, CIRCA 1810-1815

the heavy broad fullered blade decorated with suns, crescent moons and stars, the ivory grip with 16 flutes, finely sculptured American Eagle pommel with rare fully-open beak, with original leather scabbard with three original silver-mounts, the top-most engraved with lines framing a spray of leaves, the center mount with similar line-work framing a panoply-of-arms on reverse within which is inscribed COLVIN on a shield, the obverse inscribed with initials SC.

Butterfield & Butterfield, 1989, Lot 6001
Paul & Betty Phillips, December 1991

SAM American Sampler, 2002-2005

age cracks to ivory, slight rust areas to blade now well cleaned, surface of leather deteriorated, silver base mount of scabbard with minor dent, but still overall a great piece
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.

Of a type of American Eagle pommel which is quite rare. An example of this type (unmarked and with knuckle-guard and smooth ivory grip) can be seen in Daniel Hartzler’s book on Dr. John K. Lattimer Family’s Collection of American Silver-Hilted Swords (p. 239, No. 403) a sword which was sold Sotheby's, New York, January 24, 2014, Lot 168. Another of this type (also unmarked and also with knuckle-guard) of gilt-brass with checkered ivory grip can be found in Andrew Mowbray’s The American Eagle-Pommel Sword, page 84. Other examples exist, yet of those few examples, silver examples are by far the rarer variation.

Of note, considering the stylization of the Eagle Pommel, one should refer to the catalogue of American Numismatics, see John Reich (Johann Matthias Reich), U.S. Mint Engraver and coin designer. Comparison of his work on American coinage of the same era as this sword bear a striking resemblance to the Eagle on this pommel. Considering the connection of Philadelphia and Baltimore at the time, this intriguing design motif is an important connection.

The "SC" and "Colvin" on this sword are probably for Samuel Colvin of Baltimore, who was a Sergeant in Capt. Harris' 1st Regiment of Artillery during the War of 1812.  A newspaper from May, 1816, giving appointments made by the Governor of Maryland, includes "Samuel Colvin promoted to Ensign of a Company attached to the Fifth Regiment of Baltimore."  Earlier, the records of the Baltimore County Circuit Court show a Samuel Colvin in litigation over lots in Fells Point in 1807.