Object Number 2015.0004.001 A

Object Name

Sword

Category

Weapons, Hunting, and Fishing

Credit Line/Donor

Museum purchase with funds provided by the Henry Francis du Pont Collectors Circle.

Creator (Role)

Thomas Charles Fletcher (Maker or seller)
April 3, 1787-November 14, 1866

William Rose II (Maker)
1783-1854
RELATIONS: SON OF THE SAME NAME ALSO A CUTLER

John Meer Sr. (Artist)
2/09/1756-07/29/1831

Fletcher & Gardiner (Designer)
1808-1842

Thomas Birch (Inspiration for design)
1779-01/14/1851

Place of Origin

Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Date

1828

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Mark; Blade, near hilt; "W. ROSE" stamped incuse, inverted
2. Signature; Blade, near hilt (beneath counter guard); "MEER / Philada" etched in a rectangle / etched incuse

Subjects

War of 1812; Naval history; Military

Materials

Gold; Steel; Wool

Dimensions (inches)

3 (H) , 32.5 (L) , 5 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

7.62 (H) , 82.55 (L) , 12.7 (W)

Object Description

Web -

Although firepower and shorter blades for combat displaced the cut and thrust sword from combat, its lean elegant form, fine steel blade, and figural pommel remained resplendent parts of an officer’s military dress. This presentation sword’s cast and chased gold hilt, etched blade decoration, and gold scabbard mounts, represent superlative work by several artisans. Fletcher & Gardiner designed the whole, created the gold elements, and collaborated with cutlers William Rose & Sons and etcher John Meer (d. 1834) for the blade. Bald eagles (one on the pommel, three on the counter guard, and one the blade) blend patriotic iconography with naval and mythological images on the hilt and blade. This synthesis of ornament and style reflects a high point for the firm’s sword design.

Ballard’s was one of three swords requested from Fletcher & Gardiner in 1828 by the State of Maryland. Letters between Governor Daniel Martin’s secretary and Thomas Fletcher describe this sword, which recognizes Ballard’s service on the Constitution ("Old Ironsides"). Henry Ballard served under Captain Charles Stewart in February 1815 when they challenged two British vessels (Cyane and Levant) in a twilight chase off the coast of Portugal. The blade includes a moonlit scene of the three ships. Stewart placed Ballard as captain on the Levant, which he commanded until recaptured.

Ballard received this sword 14 years later in the Annapolis council chambers. Governor Martin declared: “On you sir, is bestowed the richest reward the patriot asks, the gratitude and applause of his countrymen, of which this sword is intended to be the testimonial…” Henry Ballard responded: “It will be a source of lasting gratification to reflect that for an achievement in which I bore an humble part (and in which many of the brave sons of Maryland participated,) the legislature of my native state, has bestowed upon me, a vote of thanks and this sword. I accept and shall preserve it, as the most valued gift of my generous country men…”

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Fennimore, Donald L. & Wagner, Ann. 2007 Silversmiths to the Nation: Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner, 1808-1842.
• Published: Cat. 53, pp. 186-187.
[Book] Lossing, Benson John. 1868 Lossing's Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812.
• pp. 983-987.
[Book] Mowbray, Stuart. 1998 American Swords from the Philip Medicus Collection.
• Published: Plate 36a, pp. 80-81.
[Book] McClinton, Katherine Morrison. 1968 Collecting American 19th Century Silver.
• Published: p. 160 (center).