Horstmann Eagle Pommel U S Navy Officer’s Sword SOLD

Description

Horstmann Eagle Pommel U S Navy Officer’s Sword. This sword, made by Horstmann of Philadelphia, has a blade made by Simon Helvig & Fils (Fils is French for “Sons”), and marked “S H F” in the gold arc on the ricasso. I am thinking the sword is most likely an import, Circa 1830.

Although I can find no major references that refer to this pattern as a U.S. Navy Medical officers sword, the caduceus on the counterguard of this sword may be the governing factor for purchasing by a navy surgeon.

As stated, the SHF marked blade is 30 inches by 7/8 inch at its widest measure.  Blue with gilt motifs run 11 inches from the ricasso, both sides identical.  Most of the blue and gilt remains, but thinning is even overall. The single fuller runs about half the blade length. The remainder of the bright blade has blemishing with bright mixed.

he Mother of Pearl hilt using two reeded panels, has an open beak eagle with decorative embellishments; the knuckle bow is decorative with a lion’s head at center on front side, with the  counterguard having a  small federal eagle on the upper left, with the American Lady of Liberty hold ceptor in her left hand and the medical caduceus in the other. A fouled anchor and an ancient looking sailing vessel complete the other features on the counterguard. Back strap and ferrel show repetitive acanthus leaf design.  The simple, flat quillion is embellish with a simple leaf design.

The gilt scabbard is factory engraved with leaf and geometric designs on the front side, with a shield shaped stud for frog. The reverse side is marked just below the mouth with a stock pattern number, 424, and “HORSTMANN” in cartouche.

Overall condition is fine with most of the gilt remaining evenly over all surfaces of the sword.  A fine example of a popular naval import sword.