MARYLAND CONTRACT “BIRD HEAD” DRAGOON SABER, WAR OF 1812 PERIOD

Bird head saber. N.p., n.d. Spine stamped "M". Blade approx. 33 3/8 in., overall 39 in. long.

Though the maker is unknown, the stamped “M” indicates that the sword was contracted for the State of Maryland. The form is consistent with the so-called “bird’s head” or “bird head” swords produced between approximately 1805 and 1830. These weapons “do not specifically exhibit a bird’s head, but have a unique shape to the pommel and backstrap which resembles the outline of a bird’s head” (Furr, p. 37). Also referred to as dragoon sabers, such swords saw extensive use by mounted artillery and cavalry regiments during the War of 1812.

Swords of this pattern associated with state contracts are notably scarce. During the early nineteenth century, many American states procured arms directly from private contractors to equip militia cavalry and mounted artillery units, supplementing the limited supply of federal weapons. Maryland was among the states that undertook such purchases in preparation for and during the War of 1812, when the defense of the Chesapeake region became a matter of urgent concern following repeated British naval incursions. As a result, surviving examples bearing state marks are of particular historical interest, representing locally contracted arms issued to militia forces at a moment when American military supply remained decentralized and heavily dependent upon state initiative.

Complete with its iron scabbard. The blade shows overall very light pitting. The guard, ferrule, and backstrap retain a dark, rich patina, while the remainder of the grip is of grooved wood. Traces of the original triple-strand wire wrap remain intact.

Provenance: Frederick "Frank" Logan Collection. From the collection of Frederick "Frank" Logan. Frank Logan was a dedicated Civil War enthusiast and respected member of the collecting community. He began his lifelong passion for Civil War history as a relic hunter in the mid-1970s. Over the decades, that early interest grew into a deep passion for all aspects of the Civil War, with his collecting efforts eventually centering on Maryland-related artifacts and material culture.

A member of the Maryland Arms Collectors Association, he was well regarded among fellow collectors for his knowledge and appreciation of historical artifacts. Carefully assembled over many years, his collection reflects decades of searching, study, and a genuine dedication to preserving pieces of American Civil War history.

References: 

Clegg Donald Furr. American Swords & Makers' Marks. Orange, California: Paragon Agency, 1999. pp. 37-38, nos. 55 & 56.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades] [War of 1812, James Madison, Battle of Lake Erie, Battle of Plattsburgh, Fort McHenry, Battle of New Orleans, Treaty of Ghent, Andrew Jackson]