RICHARDS UPSON 5 BALL PILLOW US OFFICERS SPADROON SWORD

RARE AMERICAN MOUNTED OFFICER'S 5 BALL PILLOW POMMEL SPADROON SWORD by Richards Upson
New York Ca 1810 

NOTE TO eBAY TRUST & SAFETY: This listing complies with eBay rules. The grip is made of cattle bone. The sword was made prior to 1900.

 

Presented is a style of sword that found favor, for a very brief 30 year period between 1790 and 1820 with Naval and military officers in England, France and America before regulation swords became prevalent. The straight, cut and thrust Spadroon's, single edge blade measures 32 1/2 inches in length, 38 1/4" overall, making it likely for a mounted officer. It is 1 1/8" wide, 1/4" thick, with a 3/4" fuller that runs almost to the spear point tip. It has the highly desirable and 5 ball cross guard and 5 ball knuckle guard bronze hilt with reeded cattle bone grip and the imprint of a known American arms merchant.

The name of Richards Upson, New York is imprinted within a scroll on the obverse, and on the reverse there is a spread U.S. Federal eagle with shield which is marked E. Pluribus Unum in a banner definitely making this sword for an American officer. Other engraved embellishments covering the first 12 1/2 inches, front and back, include a flag on staff and quiver of arrows and numerous floral scrolls. Richards Upson operated at 145 Pearl St. in New York City from 1808-1816, and were well known arms merchants during this limited period which dates this sword.

Arms merchant, Richards Upson, New York

Federal eagle with shield & E. Pluribus Unum

CONDITION: The sword is in remarkable condition with excellent engraving on the blade and a magnificent and complete 5 ball hilt with reeded cattle bone grip. The engraving is sharp and legible. The blade has varying shades of grey with darker splotches of age along its length. There is very minor pitting, but only along a few places on its upper and lower edge. There is no evidence of bluing or gold wash remaining. The pillow tang stands proud and is secured by a round nut. All the sword's fittings are tight. There is no scabbard.

Famous 5 ball Cross & knuckle guard

Pillow pommel with reeded cattle bone grip

PROVENANCE: This type of weapon, which was highly popular for a limited 30 year period beginning in 1790 by military and naval officers in England, France and the United States. It is well documented in various sword collecting books such as Bill Bezdek's, “American Swords & Sword Makers“ with photos on page 291, and arms-maker, Richards Upson, is listed on page 142.

Peter Tuite in his “U.S. Naval Officer's, Their Swords and Dirks” devotes 9 pages starting on page 18 of 5 Ball swords with Pillow Pommels of this type.

DIMENSIONS:

LOA   38 1/4"   1 1/8" W   1/4" T        Hilt 5 3/8" x 3/4" W x 1/2" T       Blade  32 1/2“

Fuller 31" L x 7/8" W                           Weight 1 lb 9 oz

Back half of blade over front half of blade

Front view of 5 ball cross and knuckle guard

 

Pillow Pommel tang and nut. Reeded cattle bone grip

This is a are example of an early American Spadroon which is worthy of a serious collector who is looking for something special

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if the error is due to our fault.

International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. You are responsible for knowing the your country's laws. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

SHIPPING: Ebay's shipping calculations are plain wrong. They are not suitable for antiques, one of a kind items, or models of any type. They also are not suitable for overseas shipments. Please do not rely on the eBay's shipping statement. We calculate shipping point to point. Our packing is professionally done in-house. Our shipping costs cover only our expenses, and are individually calculated using the most appropriate carrier for the type of item being sent.

THE FINE PRINT: We take extra special care in shipping by UPS Ground and require the item be insured for your protection and ours. Shipping is an additional charge to the buyer, but we bill it honestly covering only our out-of-pocket expenses. If Free Shipping is offered, it is to the 48 contiguous States only. Payment should be made within 5 days. The preferred method is by PayPal. We ship worldwide, but request that international customers contact us beforehand.

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