United States of America: a fine officer's dress sword with later attribution to members of the...

United States of America: a fine officer's dress sword with later attribution to members of the Armstrong family of soldiers and politicians: blade 32.5 in., flat backed for the first 19 in., the remaining part double edged, etched decoration in the late 18th - early 19th century manner, additionally etched (c. 1900) with 'COL JOHN ARMSTRONG SARATOGA 1777' to one side and 'COL H.B. ARMSTRONG 1813'; the gilt brass hilt comprising boat shell guard, fluted quillons and slender knuckle bow all with decorative moulding, pommel in the form of a helmet with a plume, wire bound grip with silver Turks heads, scarlet and silver fabric sword knot; gilt brass mounted leather scabbard, hilt c. 1830, blade possibly earlier.

Provenance: Lord Astor of Hever.

The two men named, John Armstrong Junior (1758-1843) and Henry Beekman Armstrong (1791-1854), were father and son, and served in the American War of Independence and the War of 1812 respectively. The elder man was present at the Battle of Saratoga as aide to General Horatio Gates. Their family was joined by marriage to that of the Astors, and one of the principal Astor residences in the U.S., Rokeby, was originally that of John Armstrong Junior. Although the hilt appears to post-date the war service of both men, the blade appears earlier, and may have had some association with them.