Description: Length of blade: 31". Blade Description: Single edge, slight curve, spear point, large fuller to a pipe fuller. Etched and needle engraved, arms, flags, U.S., decanthus leaves on one side. American shield, American spread winged eagle, E Pluribus Unum " other side. Ricasso etched, W.H. Horstmann & Sons, Philadelphia". Top edge etched Iron proof. Guard: D shaped, eagle head termination. Peened iron pommel. Brass hilt. Sharkskin covered grip, remnants of twisted wire wrap. Overall length: 36.5".


History: William H. Horstmann & Sons’ Manufactory is the oldest and principal establishment in Philadelphia for the manufacture of Ribbons, Military Trimmings, and Narrow Textile Fabrics. It is one that adds to the manufacturing importance, not only of the city in which it is located, but of the country. Its productions rival in elegance and substantial excellence those of France and Switzerland, and are sold by importing houses indiscriminately with their foreign importation's. The founder of this house, Mr. William H. Horstmann, was educated in the workshops of Europe, under the old system which demanded the production of a. masterpiece of workmanship before an apprentice could receive a license to practice his trade as a master workman. He was a native of Germany, but came to this country in early manhood, and in 1815 commenced in Philadelphia the manufacture of trimmings. At that time there were but two patterns of coach lace made in this country, which were called after the Presidents, Jefferson and Monroe. Naturally ingenious, Mr. Horstmann set about enlarging the scope of the pursuit in which he had embarked, and to him probably more than to any other man, the business is indebted for its present perfection in this country. In 1824, he introduced from Germany the Plaiting or Braiding Machines, and in the succeeding year the Jacquard machines. Gold laces were made by power in Philadelphia, several years before it was attempted in Europe, and the use of power for making fringes may be said to have been first generally adopted here. In fact, we believe this firm was the first in any country to apply power to the general manufacture. Since the decease of Mr. Horstmann, the business has been conducted by his sons, and with what ability they have discharged the trust committed to them is evidenced in the present importance of their establishment. They have made several important inventions, as we have elsewhere mentioned, and their list of manufactures embraces a wide circle of fabrics of silk, silk and worsted, mohair, cotton, gold and silver thread, including some descriptions not made elsewhere in this country, besides every variety of military trimmings, not excepting swords, drums, and metal ornaments. Silk ribbons are made here, which are equal in all respects, not only in brilliancy of coloring and weight of material, but in evenness of manufacture to those of the looms of Lyons and St. Etienne. The English Commissioners to the World’s Fair referred in their Report on the Industry of the United States to this establishment as presenting an example of system and neatness rarely found in manufactures in which handicrafts so varied are carried on.

Provenance: N/A


Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 1.5 | Height(in) = 6 | Width(in) = 40 | Depth(in) = 6

Size of Artwork(in): 36.5 x 4.75 x 3.25"


Artist Name: W H Horstmann


Medium: Steel, brass.


Circa: 1850

Original uncleaned condition. Sharp edging, rust and pitted point Ricasso. Deterioration to sharkskin.