James L. Kochan
Fine Art & Antiques

Rare “Potter” Revolutionary War American Saber

This pattern of light dragoon saber is the most famous, and collectible, of all Revolutionary War enlisted swords. Copied from British light horse examples, it was produced in the Maiden Lane workshops of New York cutler James Potter and is the only maker-marked, American-made saber of standard pattern with indisputable, documented usage by both sides during the War for Independence. Alexander Garden, an officer in “Light Horse Harry” Lee’s Legion, stated that every legion trooper “was armed with a Potter’s sword, the weapon most highly estimated for service, taken in personal conflict from the enemy.” This fine example features a nice blade with crisp and deep ‘POTTER’ mark and its original twisted wire binding around the grip— although only about a quarter of the original leather wrap survives (earlier writers have claimed that these sabers had unwrapped, wooden grips, because the original, thin,
japanned leather wraps on most surviving Potters have completely flaked away). Length: 39¼”. Blade: 32½” x 1 3/8”. Weight: 2.6 lbs.

Exhibiting: MACA “Baltimore” Antique Arms Show, 20-21 March 2010