F. Widmann Eagle Pillar Hilt Infantry Officer's Sword w/ Brass Scabbard

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F. Widmann Eagle Pillar Hilt Infantry Officer's Sword w/ Brass Scabbard

Beautiful and rare Frederick Wilhelm Widmann eagle pommeled Infantry Officer's sword with a "pillar hilt," complete in scabbard with a beautiful blue and gold blade. The grip is brass wire wrapped, as is commonly found on Widmann's swords. The eagle is what has been called a "snake head" eagle. The down-turned guard is hexagonal, with a spread-winged American eagle on it. The knuckle bow is a pillar, representing Law, with a twining rope or serpent around it. The ferrule is decorated with grape=vines, as are the scabbard bands. The scabbard is a true work of art, having truly magnificent decoration the length of its body, beginning with crossed flags with a Liberty Cap, over a really wonderful spread-winged American eagle with E Pluribus Unum ribbon in his beak, and a spray of stars, above another similar eagle, below which is a vine of handsomely engraved grape leaves. The drag is squared off, another sign of Widmann manufacture. The blade is unmarked, and is almost certainly German made, with generic decoration of trophies of arms, and florals. There are no stamps or marks whatsoever on the sword, but it is very clearly the work of Frederick Wilhelm Widmann before Horstmann bought his stock in 1848. There are traces of silver plating, indicating that this was initially carried by an infantry officer. The quillon is broken off and missing, but it would have undoubtedly been of the scallop shell shape typical of Widmann. Size: the sword is 36 inches long with a 31 inch blade. The sword in the scabbard is 36 1/4 inches long. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $60.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Discounts given on combined lot shipping.

Condition:

The quillon is missing. The sword was silver plated, but most of the silver plate is gone, with minor traces on the guard. There are a few minor dents on the scabbard near the drag. The blade is excellent, with signs of rubbing at the ricasso, but the majority of the blue and gold remain bright. The part of the blade that is bright steel is excellent. There are traces of Brasso or some other similar polish in the engraved details.

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Estimate: $500 - $1,000

Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium

$406

05/19/2024

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Annex Auctions strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Annex Auctions. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, card or wire transfer for foreign payments. This auction has a buyer's premium of 25%.

F. Widmann Eagle Pillar Hilt Infantry Officer's Sword w/ Brass Scabbard | Annex Auctions

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F. Widmann Eagle Pillar Hilt Infantry Officer's Sword w/ Brass Scabbard