AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR LION HEAD INFANTRY OFFICER’S SWORD.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR LION HEAD INFANTRY OFFICER’S SWORD. This particular sword has one of the most interesting heads for pommel we have ever seen. These stylized lions have been described in the literature as grotesque heads, monkey heads and monster heads. William Guthman, who once owned this sword and pictured it in an article on Lion Head Pommels (Man at Arms, Sept/Oct 1982, pp39)refers to this head as a “lion/monkey”. Regardless of what we call this pommel, it is uniquely American and this is one of the finest examples of the American form you will see. This sword is also pictured in Battle Weapons of the American Revolution by George Neumann on pp320. This sword is in wonderful condition exhibiting an open 26-1/2″ single fullered blade with a fruit wood grip exhibiting a burl in its middle. The slotted brass hilt and pommel exhibit wonderful patina. George Neumann, describing this sword in his book, “The lack of subtle craftsmanship has not obscured the balance and poise of this primitive Lion Head pommel. The limited features of its basic form, in fact, were created by use of a punch and chisel. A more professional broad D-guard has a decorative line along each edge and a crescent-like slot along both sides of the grip. The latter is a rude cylinder of apple wood. Three pieces of homespun sandwiched between the hilt and blade created a junction pad and scabbard cushion.” As Neumann states, the orig cloth cushion still found is quite rare and unusual for this period. This sword, indeed, is in wonderful “as found” condition. SIZE: 26-1/2″ blade, 33″ overall. PROVENANCE: Ex. William Guthman Collection, Charles Radcliffe Collection. CONDITION: Blade is gray, with scattered nicks to cutting surface, old tool marks are still visible with minor, scattered staining and pitting. Hilt and pommel exhibit rich patina. There is a longitudinal crack running the entire length of grip on one side. 4-39642 JS46 (5,000-7,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2405	$7,475.00	AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR LION HEAD INFANTRY OFFICER’S SWORD. This particular sword has one of the most interesting heads for pommel we have ever seen. These stylized lions have been described in the literature as grotesque heads, monkey heads and monster heads. William Guthman, who once owned this sword and pictured it in an article on Lion Head Pommels (Man at Arms, Sept/Oct 1982, pp39)refers to this head as a “lion/monkey”. Regardless of what we call this pommel, it is uniquely American and this is one of the finest examples of the American form you will see. This sword is also pictured in Battle Weapons of the American Revolution by George Neumann on pp320. This sword is in wonderful condition exhibiting an open 26-1/2″ single fullered blade with a fruit wood grip exhibiting a burl in its middle. The slotted brass hilt and pommel exhibit wonderful patina. George Neumann, describing this sword in his book, “The lack of subtle craftsmanship has not obscured the balance and poise of this primitive Lion Head pommel. The limited features of its basic form, in fact, were created by use of a punch and chisel. A more professional broad D-guard has a decorative line along each edge and a crescent-like slot along both sides of the grip. The latter is a rude cylinder of apple wood. Three pieces of homespun sandwiched between the hilt and blade created a junction pad and scabbard cushion.” As Neumann states, the orig cloth cushion still found is quite rare and unusual for this period. This sword, indeed, is in wonderful “as found” condition. SIZE: 26-1/2″ blade, 33″ overall. PROVENANCE: Ex. William Guthman Collection, Charles Radcliffe Collection. CONDITION: Blade is gray, with scattered nicks to cutting surface, old tool marks are still visible with minor, scattered staining and pitting. Hilt and pommel exhibit rich patina. There is a longitudinal crack running the entire length of grip on one side. 4-39642 JS46 (5,000-7,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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