Catalog Auction info Auction #133 - Two-Day Sale, March 26th & 27th (#133) 03/26/2022 9:00 AM EDT Closed Starts Ending 03/26/2022 9:00 AM EDT Auction Info Lot #1050 Important American Eaglehead Sword Attributed to Major Jonathan Cass Accompanied by Framed Portrait Click image to enlarge PreviousNextSimilar Items Lot closed - Sold Price (Including Buyer`s Premium):$15,600 Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 Description Description: This is a very nice and complete brass-hilted Eaglehead sword with smooth maple grip, once the property of famed Revolutionary war hero Captain, later Major, Jonathan Cass of Exeter New Hampshire. Jonathan Cass of Exeter New Hampshire was the son of Irish immigrants, some sources stating he was born in Exeter, some in Salisbury Massachusetts. A farmer and blacksmith by trade, he enlisted in the Continental Army the day after the Battle of Lexington, commissioned Ensign in November of 1776 in Scammel’s 3rd New Hampshire Regiment of the Continental line. He would be promoted to second Lieutenant in August 1777 and to first lieutenant in May 1778 while in James Gray’s company of the 3rd New Hampshire. He was promoted to Captain in the 2nd New Hampshire, although reports differ as to whether it was in 1781 or 1782. He was in the thick of the fighting at the Battle of Bunker Hill and went on to fight at Trenton, Princeton, Germantown, Monmouth, Saratoga and the Siege of Boston. He actually contracted smallpox in January 1778 while at Valley Forge. Post-revolution, in October 1786, he accepted a commission in the army, for the defense of the Western Frontier, serving under General “Mad” Anthony Wayne in the Northwest Indian War, earning the rank of Major in the 3rd Regiment U.S. Army. He took command of Fort Hamilton, in Ohio from General Wayne, it was while commander of Fort Hamilton on a reconnoitering mission, Cass’ horse fell while jumping over a fallen tree and the Major’s leg broke just below the knee. The wounded leg never healed, and required daily dressing for about 35 years, and contributed to his demise. He actually would settle in Ohio on a 4000 acre tract awarded him as a result of his service in the Continental Army, he is buried there at Dresden, in Cass Township, named for him. By period accounts, Major Cass had a striking and commanding presence: “...he had the look of one born to command, in height he was nearly or quite six feet, of perfect form, without superfluous flesh, black hair and piercing coal black eyes, and commanding brow”. A valiant man, having fought through the entire revolution, and defeating even smallpox, an interesting post-war account of the “Great Exeter Mob” during the Paper Money Riot, or the “Exeter Rebellion” involves Capt. Cass, appointed federal marshal for the New Hampshire district, drawing his sword and walking through a mob of armed militia, knocking their bayonets and muzzles upward out of the way with his sword as he strode toward the legislature, rescuing New Hampshire President John Sullivan, escorting him back through the mob in the same manner, knocking muzzles and bayonets out of the way with his sword, returning the president safely to his hotel. The sword itself as a 28 1/4” single-edge blade, 2 3/8” at its widest point, with triple unstopped fullers. It is a pewter gray and plum brown patina showing areas of oxidation and light pitting with evidence of impact marks along its blade, some of which appeared to have been dressed many many years ago. The triple branched crossguard is beaded along the obverse branch with beading up the front of the knuckle guard. The grip is of figured maple and has taken on a nice tobacco-russet patina, showing the expected dings and handling marks from the years. The pommel shows a wonderful folkie, rudimentary Philadelphia-style Eagle head, the knuckle guard fastening just beneath his lower beak. All of the brass hardware has toned to a wonderful dull ocher patina, showing a few minor dings or handling marks here and there. An original brocaded sword knot is attached, its silver thread tarnishing nicely with the years, showing a few older repairs and a bit of fraying in spots, but remaining intact; the twisted braided tassels appearing all present, showing a bit of tattering here and there. The arm is complete with scabbard, showing no throat nor tip chape, and with lightly flaking body, which remains supple and flexible, 30” overall length, accommodating the blade very well. The oil-on-basswood painting accompanying the arm is a very vibrant depiction of Major Jonathan Cass, in his colonial officer’s uniform, a right-facing bust of his left side, his stern gaze affixed to right of view. In the background over Cass’ right shoulder can be seen British troops and an artillery piece. The depiction remains vibrant with wonderful colors over all and is framed in a period black milk paint soft wood frame. The view measures 29 3/4” x 23 1/2” with the overall frame dimensions measuring 36 3/4” x 30 5/8”. There is a small brass plaque affixed to the frame below the view which reads “Major Jonathan Cass/1756-1830”. The handle and pommel are a bit loose, no doubt due to shrinkage of the wood from the years, the blade seems to have been tightened within the base ferrule with an older piece of leather or wood, it too no doubt loosening due to shrinkage from the years, neither are obtrusive. A wonderful and important historic American sword, accompanied by a fabulous depiction of the brave and imposing soldier who no doubt wielded it with authority. It should be noted that the attribution of the sword is by internationally reknown and highly respected antiques dealer Peter Tillou, who unfortunately left us before sharing the provenance of its acquisition. (3E10250-78) [Peter Tillou Collection] (10,000/15,000) Categories: edged weapon Terms and conditions TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE The following paragraphs represent the terms under which all sales by Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. are conducted. Bidding on any item in the sale indicates the bidder’s full acceptance and understanding of all terms and conditions of sale. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. has taken great care in the preparation of the descriptions in this catalog. Although we believe everything in the descriptions to be true, we do not guarantee any part of any description. We recommend that the bidders view the items in person and form their own opinions as to condition, originality, origin, etc. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will consider all requests for refunds. If a customer is unhappy with a purchase, we will be happy to discuss a remedy with them. All requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of the sale date. Therefore, it is important that absentee bidders pay for their items in a timely fashion. All requests for refunds received after 30 days of the sale date will not be considered. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. reserves the right to reject any bid in order to protect our consignor’s interests. PAYMENT POLICY All invoices are payable upon receipt. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will accept cash, check, wire transfer, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express as payment for items purchased. Online payment is available for buyers directly through the online invoicing process. 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If you are the winning bidder of an item that you find does not comply with your state’s laws, you will still be required to pay your invoice, Amoskeag Auction Co. will then re-offer the arm on your behalf. FIREARM CLASSIFICATION: ANTIQUE - no paperwork required MODERN - Post-1898 firearm which requires an FFL or 4473 with corresponding successful background check in order to be delivered. C&R - for firearms that fall under the ATF Curio & Relics licensing and if purchased by a person with a “C&R License” no paperwork is required. NOTE: Items that meet the age requirements but have been altered from their original configuration may NOT be delivered on a C&R License. ABSENTEE/TELEPHONE/ON-LINE BIDDING • As a service to our buyers, Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will accept absentee bids from bidders who cannot attend the sale. Bidders without prior credit approval are required to submit a 20% deposit prior to bids being accepted (credit cards may be used for absentee deposits). 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