Rare Mounded Artillery Officer's American Saber PARTA TUERT Pre Civil War Sword

Description

Circa 1810-1830 Mounded Artillery Officer's American Saber
Curved 30" blade with 15-1/2" blued and gilt panel engraved with florals and panoplies, one of which features a Federal shield and Phrygian cap on a pole.  Interspersed are two panels reserved on plain steel and etched with florals.  Gilt brass stirrup hilt comprising: shield-shaped languets embossed with an oval Federal shield within a laurel wreath and the motto Parta Tuert (Defend Your Acquisitions); fluted ferrule with central roped band; rococo knucklebow modeled as a fluted, scrolling column entwined by leafage and beading; birdshead pommel/backstrap embossed with acorns and oak leaves.  Bone grip has checkered, fluted and reeded panels.  Plain brass scabbard fitted with two sling rings.  Condition: Blade with scattered light scratches and patches of light pitting and retaining perhaps 50% blued and gilt finishes.  Hilt retains 75 – 80% gilt finish. Grip shows chipping below pommel and vertical hairline crack to one side.  Scabbard with minor dents and scratches and retaining slight traces of gilt finish.  Note: Figure 100 in Peterson illustrates a very similar saber identified as a mounted artillery officer’s saber, circa 1815-30.  However, the rococo design of the knucklebow suggests a somewhat later attribution.  Additionally, the acorns and oak leaf decoration could also indicate use by a naval officer, as these motifs often have a naval association.
"American Swords" Mowbray, page 134 (63e)