William Rose produced just 500 of these sabers on a U.S. contract from Purveyor of Public Supplies dated March 1812. The back edge of the curved, single-edge blade is stamped “W. ROSE” with some rubbing, but is clear and legible. The obverse ricasso bears the government inspection stamp “V” over “MTW” indicating the sword had been viewed (inspected) by Marine T. Wickam, the inspector of arms in Philadelphia. This stamp is also very clear and legible with just slight rubbing to the top of the “T.”

This is a very good example in the standard configuration with an iron hilt having a  bird’s head pommel, with tang nut, backstrap, ferrule at the guard, and reverse-P knucklebow slotted near the pommel for a sword knot. The leather is very good, with excellent finish showing just a little crazing near the pommel and three or four wear spots on the reverse. The leather has not been treated with preservatives or polish. The metal of the hilt is smooth, gun-metal gray in color mixed with darker gray that may be remnants of japanning. The blade with single, broad, shallow fuller and clip point matches the hilt. The blade pad is in place and complete. The surface is smooth. There are just two small nicks to the edge. The point is good. The color is a mix of lighter gunmetal gray or muted silver, with thin, darker gray areas. The iron scabbard is complete with throat, narrow drag, and both narrow ring bands with rings. It has no dents or cracks, shows some thin crustiness and lots of its original black japanning.

This is a very nice looking, scarce and very good condition regulation U.S. cavalry (dragoon) saber made on a U.S. government contract of the War of 1812. The Rose family of Philadelphia produced a number of sword makers and cutlers starting with William Rose (1754-1810,) and continuing with his three sons: Joseph (1778-1819,) William (Sr., 1783-1854,) and Benjamin (178?-18??;) and William Sr.’s two sons, William (Jr., 1810-1883) and Joseph 1823-1881.) This is a very good example of William Sr.’s work deserving of a place in a cavalry, War of 1812, or U.S. edged weapons collection, or even a specialized display dealing with Philadelphia sword makers. [sr] [ph:L]

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