William Ball
Sword
c. 1800
Physical Qualities
Silver, wood, steel, 34 x 4 3/8 x 2 in. (86.4 x 11.1 x 5.1 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Harry D. Berry, Jr., Baltimore
Object Number
1995.225
Baltimore silversmith William Ball made a number of swords with silver mounts. Here, a fierce eagle’s head tops the handle, which is further embellished with fine skeins of twisted silver wire wrapped around the carved wood. A similar sword is now at the Maryland Historical Society.
Inscribed: Marked: 'W.BALL' on inside of knuckle-guard
On View at the BMA
