[WAR OF 1812] Bird Head Sword, Maker "W. H."

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Day 2: Early & Historic Americana

By Fleischer's Auctions

Oct 10, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-10-10 09:00:00 2025-10-10 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Day 2: Early & Historic Americana https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/fleischers-auctions/day-2-early-historic-americana-19250
Day one of Fleischer's 2025 Fall Premier auction includes early American artifacts, documents, signatures, ephemera, and weaponry. Rare material relating to African American history is featured, as well as fine examples of antique photography. Fleischer's Auctions info@fleischersauctions.com

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• Lot Description

  33 1/2 in single-edge curved blade. Bird’s head saber with fire-blued blade. single-edged curved blade. Blade featuring gold-washed engraved panoplies of arms and foliate designs with faded fire bluing. 

  
  Cast brass handle with knuckle bow and quillon. Leather grip with brass twisted wiring. 

  
  Known as "bird head" or "bird's head" swords, they "do not specifically exhibit a bird's head, but have a unique shape to the pommel and back strap which resembles the outline of a bird's head." (Furr, p. 37). Made between 1805 and 1830, they were carried by Artillery (including Mounted Artillery) and sometimes Cavalry, and are typically referred to as Dragoon sabers. Employed extensively by these units during the War of 1812. 
   
  This example is typical with wrapped leather grips and a fire-blued blade creating a brilliant blue finish with gold-washed etchings enhancing the artwork. 

  
  References: 
   
  Clegg Donald Furr. American Swords & Makers' Marks. Orange, California: Paragon Agency, 1999. pp. 37-38, nos. 55 & 56.

  
   
  Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

  
   
  [War of 1812, James Madison, Battle of Lake Erie, Battle of Plattsburgh, Fort McHenry, Battle of New Orleans, Treaty of Ghent, Andrew Jackson]  

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