American Eagle Head Sabre

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Glen,
I did a swop for this sword but it was purchased at an auction in England in a lot with a 'cutlass thought to be American'. The buyer wanted the cutlass but not the eagle head and I had something he wanted so we exchanged. I'm afraid that is the only info re provenance I have.
I came across another couple of conflicts which would fit inside the time frame 1830's/40's, the Black Hawk War and the Texas Revolution. I noticed that the inside right angle on the simpler guards differ from plain to being accented with various small decorative details, wondering if this is a possible pointer to origin. Finally, I'm sure you will be aware of this little paper but here is a link anyway www.asoac.org/bulletins/92_bethune_patriotic.pdf
Thanks again for your time and effort on this.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Hotspur]

I noticed that the inside right angle on the simpler guards differ from plain to being accented with various small decorative details, wondering if this is a possible pointer to origin

As much a matter of timeline perhaps. I think I did mention that parts from one side were openly shared, so origin of the final assembly might be better regarded when looking at the blade decoration. Coincidentally, I came across yet another like yours and while considering the blade decoration, I would still say that one as well British B&G. If you can share more of your blade decoration, others may have an opinion as to whether we are seeing a British or German decorated blade.

Yes, I am familiar with the asoac article and some of it is considered outdated, just as some older sword bibles are. Was there a particular part of the article you note that is relevant to this sword? Do you have the E.Alexander Mowbray eagle pommel sword book? While the latter does not specifically speak to this form, It reads well in terms f commerce and distribution.

I am sending you a link via pm for the one I saw just today while browsing a dealer.

Cheers

GC