Collections: Decorative Arts: Sword with Chain

Sword with Chain

Maker: David Moseley
Medium: Silver
Place Made: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Dates: ca. 1794
Dimensions: Sword: 35 x 4 3/4 in. (88.9 x 12.1 cm) Sheath: 23 1/4 x 1 in. (59.1 x 2.5 cm)
Markings: On bridge above and to right of grip: "DM" in rectangle Inscribed within depression, on both sides: "CLEMEN" and "HORN" with four lozenges in a diamond pattern before and after. Engraved to right of grip: "1794," Engraved below grip, in script: "May 2d" Scratched below engraving below grip: "30(?)-84." Initials to the left of grip have been effaced; one appears to have been: "M."
Signature: no signature
Inscriptions: no inscriptions
Collections:Decorative Arts
Museum Location: This item is on view in Brooklyn Museum, BMA, 6H2, 1J
Accession Number: 83.229.2
Credit Line: Gift of Wunsch Foundation, Inc.
Caption: David Moseley. Sword with Chain, ca. 1794. Silver, Sword: 35 x 4 3/4 in. (88.9 x 12.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Wunsch Foundation, Inc., 83.229.2. Creative Commons-BY-NC
Catalogue Description: Sword (a) with sheath (b). Silver and steel sword (a); blade of sword tapers from hilt to point and has a concave depression in the middle of each side running 6 3/4 inches down from the hilt. There is also decoration at the end of depression where blade becomes convex in its mid-section. Hilt comprises a cross-guard, a grip, and a double pommel with chains linked to cross-guard. Cross-guard is a pointed oval, shaped into an S-curve and pierced. Pierced, scalloped border lines the top edge of cross-guard; bottom edge is plain. Central section of cross-guard is a long, pointed band of silver attached to outer borders of oval by V-shaped and rectangular bridges formed by piercing. Pierced heart-shape at each end. Blade side of cross-guard is decorated with punch work and bright-cut engraving of vines and berries. There is a piece of red velvet between blade and hilt. Hilt side is decorated with geometrical punch work and bright-cut engraving. Grip is barrel-shaped and has plain band (with scribed line) at top and bottom. Center section of handle is wrapped with alternating bands of plain silver and twisted silver wire attached in places with pins. Above this, a pommel is formed by oval ball faceted with pentagons, quadrilaterals, triangles, and a smaller, elongated oval ball above, faceted with quadrilaterals and triangles. There is a ring on lower ball to which is attached three silver chains which in turn connect through pierced holes in cross-guard. Leather and silver sheath or scabbard (b); simple seamed leather with simple silver band at hilt end. Band has a ring to which are attached six links of chain. CONDITION: Sword (a): Good, normal wear and scratches. Effaced initials on left of handle on cross-guard. Dent on top of handle, second band of silver from blade. Other small dents. Deep scratches on pommel. Cleaned by Conservation Laboratory February 14th 1984. SWORD SHOULD ALWAYS BE HANDLED WITH COTTON GLOVES. CONDITION: Sheath (b): Broken in two pieces, taped together with electrical tape. Point end missing. Leather somewhat deteriorated. Siler band much worn and dented. Long split on one side near chain ring; patch about 3/4" away from this.
Record Completeness: Meh (29%)
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