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SILVER HILTED WAR OF 1812 MOUNTED OFFICER'S SABER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
SILVER HILTED WAR OF 1812 MOUNTED OFFICER'S SABER
BY COOPER OF NEW YORK. Overall length: 37". Blade length: 32". Blade has a very large, unstopped fuller and shows gold highlighted etching on a blued field over 16" of the blade. For many years, these blades were thought to be a product of Birmingham, England. However; recent research indicates these blades were likely made & decorated in America and quite possibly by the firm of B. & J. Cooper. It is interesting to note that B. & J. Cooper were from Birmingham, England and received their initial training there. We first see the firm of B. & J. Cooper advertising military goods for sale in New York City during the year 1804. The etching on the sword includes a large "US of A" surmounted by arms and an American flag on a pole. The opposite side has a spray of non descript arms with a central halberd. Both sides have a number of scroll & foliate motifs. The silver hilt is relatively plain with a small drop quillon with unadorned guard & knuckle bow. The guard is clearly stamped on the top "COOPER". Bird's head pommel, plain backstrap and plain ferrule. Certifiably antique ivory grip with 5 diagonal grip ribs wrapped with braided wire. Leather scabbard with solid silver mounts that show lineal decoration. CONDITION: incredibly, the sword shows some original factory polish with only minor staining. The gold highlighted etching & the blued field are nearly complete and quite beautiful. The hilt is strong and undamaged. The grip has a few minor flakes at the edge of the pommel. The wire wrap is a bit loose in spots, and the grip exhibits a few tight age cracks. The scabbard remains quite strong, and all of the mounts are present and virtually undamaged. (02-19594/BF). $4,000-6,000.