This sword is an adaption for the American market of the British 1827 pattern sword for officers of riflemen. It was also “No. 29,” in the sword section of the Schuyler, Hartley and Graham military goods catalog, noted as featuring a “Steel Scabbard & Steel Eagle hilt.” Lastly, collectors have nicknamed it the “Peterson-75” after Harold Peterson’s classification, which is fitting, since this exact pattern of Schuyler, Hartley and Graham sword, with this same etching, was used by Peterson to illustrate the general type.

The guard has an open work American eagle spreading its wings under a narrow banner reading “E Pluribus Unum,” having a US shield on its chest and clutching arrows and olive branch. This sits atop an open-work US. The letters of the motto are stamped, but the details of the feathers, etc. are engraved or chased to bring up the casting. The quillon has a cylindrical finial that is incised on the ends to make it appear like a curled strap.

The grip is very good, showing just minor wear to the sharkskin and a tiny spot of chipping next to the pommel. The wire binding is good and tight, though one strand nearest the pommel that is twisted rather than knotted. The hilt and scabbard match, showing smooth metal and a thin blue, though stronger on the scabbard than the hilt, which shows a slight shift toward plum brown.

The blade is bright and the etching is sharply defined. The obverse ricasso has the Schuyler, Hartley and Graham firm name etched in an arc over “New York,” all placed in a frosted, clipped-corner square that has an inset “proved” copper disk. The blade is then profusely engraved with scrolling leaves and vines, leading to an American eagle with wings extended wide and a “E Pluribus Unum” in a ribbon circling the eagle’s head. More floral motifs extend up the blade and include an oval shield with star border behind which are crossed banners with pikes and the motton “In Hoc Signo Vinces” (“in this sign you will conquer”) overhead, followed by more vine scrolls to the end of the fuller.

The reverse of the blade has a “W. / Clauberg / Solingen” stamp with a standing knight in the middle, within an oval, that is in turn surrounded by a frosted, clipped corner rectangle with flowers in the corners. A lush tangle of geometric and floral scrolls then leads up to a trophy of arms with an “E Pluribus Unum” ribbon below, a U.S. shield, banners on pikes, and an entwined “US” above. More entwined geometric, floral and vine scrolls then fill out the blade to the end of the fuller.

The blade is in the bright and the etching is profuse and vivid. The edge and spearpoint tip are excellent, with no nicks or chips. This is a very good example of the type, especially so since Peterson used it as the one to illustrate the general pattern.  [sr]

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