Sword Collector Information Page

American Eagle Pommel sword was produced in the Horstmann sword shop using models and fixtures acquired from Widmann in 1848. This style sword is a continuance (made by Horstmann) of the Widmann Type IV Eagle Pommel Hilt. F. W. Widmann was a sword maker in Philadelphia PA from 1816 until his death in 1848. Collectors today have categorized his Eagle Head Swords into six groups (Type I through Type VI). Upon his death in 1848, his sword mounting tools and fixtures were acquired by the nearby firm of William H. Horstmann & Sons at 91 North 3rd Street. At least one and possibly all of Widmann's workers were pickup and business resumed under the management of Horstmann. The Widmann-Horstmann production seems to have been entirely based upon the designs in place at the time of Widmann's death. When these designs became increasingly out of date by regulation changes, activity tapered off in favor of imported arms. By late in the 1850's, the workshop appears to have been mostly used for repairing existing swords. The principal differences distinguishing the Horstmann production from their parent weapons are the bone grips and the simple banded ferrule. The production of this series varied wildly, according to the need and price range being sold.

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American Eagle Pommel Swords
Widmann-Horstmann Type VI

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