Original U.S. Legion of the United States / Federal Era NCO’s Sword with Pillow Pommel - Circa 1790

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a tremendous Non-Commissioned Officer’s sword dating to the Federal Period, around 1790. This lovely example has a pillow pommel hilt with a fluted dark wood grip. There is a plain ferrule at the base of the grips, and the base of the pommel is banded to resemble a ferrule at the top. The pommel itself is six-sided and flares outward before flattening off in a slightly concave swing to the tang rivet.

The sword features a straight 32 1/2” blade with a double fuller and false edge, which is in good condition. There is chipping to the edge with heavy oxidation overall.

The dark horn grip has some cracks on one side, but they appear to have been repaired. The blade is rather tight to the hilt with part of the original blade buffer still retained. The entire sword is 38 1/2” long overall.

This is a fantastic example of an NCO’s sword from the Federal era. This example certainly saw service into the War of 1812 as well, as many of this model remained in service for decades. Comes ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 32 1/2”
Blade Style: Straight single-edge with fuller 
Overall length: 38 1/2”

The Legion of the United States was a reorganization and extension of the United States Army from 1792 to 1796 under the command of Major General Anthony Wayne. It represented a political shift in the new United States, which had recently adopted the United States Constitution. The new Congressional and Executive branches authorized a standing army composed of professional soldiers rather than relying on state militias.

The Legion was primarily formed in reaction to multiple defeats in the Ohio country in 1790 and 1791 and to assert U.S. sovereignty over U.S. borders in the western territories and Great Lakes regions. The Legion comprised four sub-legions, each with infantry, cavalry, riflemen, and artillery. The Legion is best known for its victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in August 1794. Following the 1795 Treaty of Greenville with the Western Confederacy of Native American nations and the Jay Treaty with Great Britain, the Legion was reduced in size and rechristened the Army of the United States in 1796.

The modern 1st, 3rd, and 4th United States Infantry Regiments of the United States Army trace their lineage to the Legion of the United States.