American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords Volume I: According to Their Geographical Areas of Mounting

By Daniel D. Hartzler

This publication gives the sword enthusiast an opportunity to observe edged weapons made, for the most part, in the United States that display regional characteristics that often transcend state lines. The makers of these swords, many of whom were silversmiths as well, had learned the skills and peculiarities of their masters during apprenticeship before yielding to the desires of the shop owner as journeymen. Later, many of these often relocated to new localities, practicing their former traits before they could open their own establishment, where they would be free to exercise their own creative ingenuities.

Mr. Hartzler has done an excellent job in ferreting out edged weapons, especially swords, and their makers from throughout the country and identifying who they were and where and when they were in business. His identification of the styles and characteristics of the various swords, as well as the region from which they came, will be immensely helpful to students in their future study of these weapons.

His unique method of presentation, illustrating what state or region these weapons originated from, as well as their individual characteristics, elucidate the various styles and traits developed throughout the different areas. One can also follow the travels of a sword maker by the pattern of his products.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503530515

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Daniel D. Hartzler.

Typed by: Sandra Hartzler Brothers

Edit and layout by: R. Bryce Workman

Cataloged by: Jill A. Trail

Library of Congress Control Number:   2014922936

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5035-3049-2

               Softcover        978-1-5035-3050-8

               eBook             978-1-5035-3051-5

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Rev. date: 04/16/2015

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Contents

Sword Nomenclature

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 Delaware

Chapter 2 Pennsylvania

Chapter 3 New Jersey

Chapter 4 Georgia

Chapter 5 Connecticut

Chapter 6 Massachusetts

Chapter 7 Maryland

The following chapters can be found in Volume II

Chapter 8 South Carolina

Chapter 9 New Hampshire

Chapter 10 Virginia

Chapter 11 New York

Chapter 12 North Carolina

Chapter 13 Rhode Island

Chapter 14 District of Columbia

Chapter 15 The Louisiana Purchase

Chapter 16 The Floridar

Chapter 17 The Rugged Mountain Wilderness

Chapter 18 The Northern Separation

Chapter 19 The Northwest Territories

Chapter 20 The Tejas

Chapter 21 Commissioned Swords

Dedication

I am very blessed to have entered into the family business with my parents, Byron and Thelma Hartzler. Ten years after our marriage, my wife, Kit, also joined the firm. We are so very fortunate to have our son, Jeb, and daughter, Sandy Brothers, with us as well.

This book is dedicated to my wonderful grandchildren

Erin Nicole Brothers

Broden Daniel Brothers

Jackson Scott Brothers

Sword Nomenclature

Glossary

The following sword terminology was used by the author in writing this book. Many of the common, well-known terms, such as obverse, reverse, hilt, blade, scabbard, etc., have been omitted from this glossary. Instead, some of the lesser known but equally descriptive terms used by the author have been added in their place.

Hilt

Material

Solid Silver

Sterling Silver - .925 parts pure

Coin Silver - .900 pure

Silver plating - a thin silver covering layer

Wash - liquid pickling solution, usually over iron

Striking - hammered forcing of silver foil over metal

Sheffield - silver foil fused to metal, usually copper, by heat

Galvanic - electroplating, usually over brass

Fine pewter - consists of 80 percent tin and 20 percent brass or copper, often used because of its smooth surface, attractive color, and strength

Decoration

Engraving - cutting lines into metal with a scorper or graver

Single line - cut in one impression

Bright-cut engraving - a particular form of engraving in which the metal is removed by using beveled graving tools, imparting a jewel-like faceted sparkle to the surface of the metal

Chasing - a cold modeling process of ornamenting, embossing metal by hammering

Cloisonné - enameling by melting the frit into specified areas delineated by wire soldered to the surf ace to be decorated

Cut-cardwork - silver work in which conventional designs of leaves and flowers are cut from thin sheet silver and applied to a silver surface

Embossing - making raised designs on the surface of metal from the reverse side, only applicable to hammered or pressed repoussé work.

Feather edge - decoration of edge with chased, slanting lines; an engraved, decorative design

Flat chasing - surface decoration in low relief

Fluted - a type of long grooving on the edge

Gadrooning - a border ornamentation of radiating lobes of curved or straight form in high relief

Pricking - delicate needlepoint engraving

Raising - formation of a piece of silver beginning with a flat piece of material, then hammering it over a succession of anvils with frequent annealings

Repoussé - relief ornament hammered from the under or inner side

Silver edge - an ornamental border

Stamping - impressing of designs using dies into the metal by heavy hammering

Stoning - polishing of silver with an emery stone

Grip

Checkering - carved diamonds of equal dimensions and depth

Cross hatching - nonuniform diamonds

Chipping - slashed diamond marks

Blade

Manufacture

Forging - the shaping of metal by heating and hammering

Fusion - the process of uniting materials by melting, usually accomplished by the application of intense heat

Swaged - shaped by the process of rolling and cutting out

Decoration

Chisel cuts - filled in with brass

Etching - the process of slightly eroding the surface of metal by the use of acid

Bluing - a preserving decorative coloring

Gilding - a covering of gold

Marking

Hallmark - maker’s identification impression

Pseudo-hallmarks - fake devices used to suggest English hallmarks

Cartouche - die-shaped monogram

Warranted - producer’s guarantee

Preface

This publication gives the sword enthusiast an opportunity to observe edged weapons made, for the most part, in the United States that display regional characteristics that often transcend state lines. The makers of these swords, many of whom were silversmiths as well, had learned the skills and peculiarities of their masters during apprenticeship before yielding to the desires of the shop owner as journeymen. Later, many of these often relocated to new localities, practicing their former traits before they could open their own establishment, where they would be free to exercise their own creative ingenuities.

Mr. Hartzler has done an excellent job in ferreting out edged weapons, especially swords, and their makers from throughout the country and identifying who they were and where and when they were in business. His identification of the styles and characteristics of the various swords, as well as the region from which they came, will be immensely helpful to students in their future study of these weapons.

His unique method of presentation, illustrating what state or region these weapons originated from, as well as their individual characteristics, elucidate the various styles and traits developed throughout the different areas. One can also follow the travels of a sword maker by the pattern of his products.

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Introduction

Edged weapons with hilts and scabbards made of precious metals have been around for centuries. In the early times, these were made for kings and others of equally noble birth, either for their own use or as presents. It wasn’t until much later that the custom of awarding gold and silver mounted swords for deeds of valor became popular. Even then, they were usually only awarded to officers.

While many of these presentation swords are fantastic examples of the master swordmaker’s art, others were ostentatious, even bordering on being garish. Most of these were not meant to be carried, only exhibited as a trophy. Only about half of the gold and silver presentation swords commissioned by the president, Congress, states, or cities have come to light. These are mostly found in museums, while the remaining 50 percent are more than likely hung on the wall or sheltered in the attic of homes of the families of the recipients.

Presentation swords were not the only precious-metal hilted swords made. Many were purchased by individuals to decorate their uniform, while some of the simpler forms, especially silver mounted versions, were carried in battle. Since silver is subject to tarnishing, many of the hilts of those swords illustrated here are in that state, while some of the blades are worn and do not reveal their true eloquence. Even so, there are others that illustrate excellent craftsmanship in design, execution, and workmanship.

This has been a work in progress for the past fifteen years, in which time the author has traveled throughout the United States, talking to people and photographing subjects for this publication. Thanks are due to all the many collectors and those families whose forefathers carried these swords and now share them with me for this study. It was through their generosity in exposing their prized possessions to my examination that has made this publication possible.

I have drawn heavily from some of those prolific writers who have furthered our knowledge of this subject: Harold Peterson, George Neumann, Andy Mowbray, Richard Bezdek, and Peter Tuite, to name a few.

Dealers in antique weapons are some of the most knowledgeable in the field of swords, and a number of them have been gracious in assisting the author in the identification of and allowing him to photograph weapons in their possession over the years. Among the most prominent are Dave Kleiner, George Juno, Don Ball, Dave Condon, Bill Guthman, and Kevin Hoffman.

Philip Medicus began collecting swords in the 1930s. His collection was purchased by Norm Flayderman in 1955. The silver hilt swords were sold to Dr. John Lattimer, while the remaining were sold through Norm’s catalogues over the years.

The West Point Army Academy and the Annapolis Naval Academy have the greatest number of swords that bear a lineage pedigree. There are exquisite silver hilted swords in the collections of many private individuals and they are all owed a debt of gratitude for their estimable assistance. For instance, I am very appreciative of being permitted to inspect and photograph Nick Magemiello’s superb collection of Revolutionary War pieces, John and George Gunderson’s early federal period swords, and Don Tharpe’s historic pieces. I would especially wish to thank Scott Ferriss, Jack Bethune, Stan Smullen, Simon Handelsman, and many others for allowing me to examine and photograph swords in their possession.

And last but by no means least, I would like to thank my family, my wife Kit for her unstinting loyalty and assistance over the years of correcting and improving my thoughts; daughter Sandy for her typing and cleaning up of the images; friend Jill Trail for cataloging the thousands of photographs; Lois Carr for transposing the tapes; and finally my good friend R. Bryce Workman for assisting me in the editing and layout of this publication for all to enjoy.

Daniel D. Hartzler

New Windsor, MD

         2014

CHAPTER 1

Delaware

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P rior to the coming of the white man, the region now encompassing the state of Delaware was inhabited by tribes of aborigines calling themselves Leni Lenape. These later became better known as the Delaware Indians.

In 1609, Henry Hudson, while exploring under the auspices of the Dutch, discovered a large inlet and river. They named the region the Dutch South River. The Dutch attempt at colonization of the region during the first quarter of the century failed due to the ferocious opposition of the natives, and the project was abandoned. Later, the Dutch formed a joint venture with Sweden, only this time the Swedes were in the lead and they purchased a sizable tract of land from the Indians that they called New Sweden. Colonization began again with Dutch, Swede, and Finnish settlers moving into the region. Friction increased between the Dutch and Swedes, with first one then the other gaining control of the area until the Dutch finally came out on top. They then sold the entire region to the City of Amsterdam in Holland.

In 1664, when confrontation arose between the British and the Dutch, this land, as well as New Netherland (New York), was seized by the British. This territory became part of the ground held by the Duke of York, later King James II. There remained much dispute concerning boundaries in the region, especially in the north. The center of government for the York property was New Castle, and in order that no other settlements would encroach upon this center, the northern boundary was determined by drawing an arc 12 miles out, using New Castle as the center. This accounts for the unusual curved boundary between Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The name Delaware was first formally adopted when a regional government was organized in 1776. A new country had been declared, but now having won their independence, representatives from the former colonies met to officially set up a system of governing the United States of America, including a constitution that each proposed state had to ratify. With its ratification of this document on December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to be officially admitted into the new Union. This state is situated on the upper part of what is known today as the Delmarva (Delaware-Maryland-Virginia) peninsula. It’s southern and western boundaries bordered on Maryland, while the Delaware Bay separated it from New Jersey. The Delaware River, flowing to this large inlet, connected the tract to the City of Philadelphia. The river and its tributaries formed the first transportation system in the region. Traveling silversmiths used these conduits for passage when coming into the coastal settlements.

The first tradesmen in the area to work in precious metals were known as goldsmiths. Then, due the majority of their work being in that metal, became known as silversmiths. Later, as some of the silversmiths began setting gems in their work, the term jeweler became popular. However, there was a very thin line between all these trades, causing the terms to often be used synonymously.

Being located so near to Philadelphia, Delaware silver items were influenced by silversmith traits of both Pennsylvania and Maryland, although, due to the large number of Quaker silversmiths in the colony, Delaware styles were often less ornate.

There are extant biographies of over fifty silversmiths working in Delaware from 1700 to 1850. The Delaware Gazette first began publication in 1785. It, along with other newspapers, court, land, tax, and personal records, is the best source for locating these workers of precious metals.

Probably less than 50 percent of this early silver was hallmarked. If it was a product of an apprentice or journeyman, it would not necessarily bear the master’s name or mark, and certainly not theirs. American silver made in the 1600s often had a stamped mark. Normally it was the initials of the master along with an accompanying mark. The accompanying mark was usually a symbol of a star, crown, foliage, lion, rose, or unicorn. British silver bore four such hallmarks. In the New World, some smiths copied the number of die stamps, using four to appear as English-made examples. These hallmarks, along with three pseudomarks, were used to imply that the piece was the quality of British sterling. During the early to mid 1700s, it became popular for a swordmaker to engrave his name on the top mount of the scabbard, usually on the reverse side. Next came hallmarks using the maker’s initials. Later, a cartouche would be used containing the maker’s first initial, followed by his entire surname. Another change in monogramming would be a distinction made in the purity of the silver used, a common problem in America. The smiths resorted to using standard, pure, or sterling to mark their wares. This served as a guarantee to the purity of the silver used. Spanish dollars were often used as a source of silver. These were .900 parts pure while English sterling was at best .925 pure. Seldom would they disclose the use of coin silver.

Beginning on August 1, 1789, an import duty of 7.5 percent was levied on all imported gold or silver items. This charge was meant to encourage residents in this country to buy the now less costly American-made products, thus providing protection for the country’s smiths. Silversmithing in America was a highly developed trade, which sought out versatile, talented craftsmen. In the colonies there were no strict guilds and cottage industries of production such as that found in the Old Country. The architecture, style, and character of a piece, from the design to the completion, depended on the capability of the producer, and cost whatever the traffic would bear. There were many capable American silversmiths making a wide range of precious-metal objects. It should come as no surprise that any American silversmith could make and mount sword hilts.

After the military changed their designated trim colors from silver to gold, silver became less desirable for many people. By 1820, the manufacturing of sword hilts had switched from an individual to a commercial basis. There was standardization and regimentation of the machine age, with the loss of individual artistic expression. No longer was the same individual in a shop responsible for the design, execution, and quality of a particular product.

It is rare today to find a sword with a Delaware silversmith’s mark. Unlike in Europe where one finds personal weapons of hilted swords made of gold, in America the finest weapons’ decoration was silver, except for important congressional presentation swords. The silver hilted swords were most often made of solid silver, which was known as silver plate. The surviving rate of American silver hilted swords is very high due to their value and workmanship. Some, of course, were lost in battle, while others were melted down for the silver to be used in a new product. Almost all of the early silversmith ads concluded with the desire to purchase old silver. Old silver was melted, then poured into a skillet to cool into an ingot, after which it was hammered into the desirable thickness of sheet stock for reuse. Since various silver items would be melted together, it would often be difficult to determine the purity of the resulting stock. Today, the surviving rate of silver mounted swords is extremely high, with many being housed in museums, private collections, or tucked away as family heirlooms.

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Johannis Ny [1671–1734)] was a French Huguenot. After arriving from Bristol, England, he worked in New York as a goldsmith in the 1690s. He then relocated to Philadelphia, where the account book of goldsmith Francis Richards I [1681–1729] reveals an exchange of tools and silver, including knives, in 1719. Ny moved to the lower counties of Delaware in 1723. He made a will on February 6, 1734, and died in Kent County.

The American Revolutionary War was much more of a civil war than many people realize. Many of the country’s residents sympathized with the crown and were not in favor of separating from the mother country. In fact, fifty thousand Americans fought for Great Britain, either as regular soldiers or in the irregular militia. Delaware loyalists in the state’s three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex) were asked to take up arms and attempt to disarm the oppressing rebels on behalf of the standard of the King. However, the revolutionary sentiment of the Patriots maintained the new freedom-loving principals. Delawareans who had taken the oath to Great Britain or taken up arms against the US were pardoned by simply swearing allegiance to the new country.

An ironmonger from Philadelphia, named Whitehead Humphreys produced iron and steel during the Revolutionary War for the Committee of Safety. Even after independence, the State of Pennsylvania loaned him £3000 for five years to advance steel making in America so that steel could reach the quality of that made in England. Richard Humphreys [–1794] was listed in the Philadelphia Evening Post and the General Advertiser as a Wilmington goldsmith acting as a subscribing agent in 1771. In August 1772, he moved to Philadelphia,