But see what you think. There's a video link within the article. Neither article nor text mention any documentation, apparently what they have are family legends passed down from the Frenchman supposedly given the sword by Franklin. All swords were sold with scabbards which are an important part of the value to collectors; no mention of one here. I was also a bit surprised to see Howard Dixon, Christie's arms expert, handling the supposedly-wonderful sword without white gloves. The provenance sounds a bit weak to me and I won't be bidding. http://www.christies.com/features/B...EMLcontent0414457A_4&cid=DM53420&bid=60045966
I didn't see that there is any contemporary written account or description of the gift. It seems the fact that it still belongs to the direct descendants of Franklin's friend is pretty solid. Why aren't you convinced?
Spring, you do bring up an interesting point though.....even the 'experts' on the AR handling the arms use the white gloves for good reason, so for an "expert" from the world re-known Christies to NOT........it's VERY surprising!!!!! So, next question.....is the "expert" a validated Christies "expert"????
No, but "we were told" and "according to family history" aren't lies. I'd be surprised if Franklin was ever within 50 feet of the sword.
I certainly would hope not!!!! I like Christies VERY much!!!! I was just surprised at his handling of the sword.........
I like the provenance on this other sword better: http://www.benfranklin300.org/frankliniana/result.php?id=139&sec=0
I've been getting info on the Franklin sword at the Franklin Institute. A list of many previous owners and dates is engraved on the metal parts of the sheath, beginning with "B. Franklin 1755" then other family members to whom it was passed. I'm convinced this sword did belong to B.F. Here's one of the photos the Inst. sent. I've asked for some short macro-photos. Their sword has never been researched by any sword experts. I'm sure we'll at least be able to ID the maker of the blade once we get a clearer photo of this area:
My sword expert friend says the foliage depicted on the ricasso is typical of Solingen blades made in the 18th C. Solingen is of course the German "city of blades" which has supplied high-quality steel blades to the world for centuries. Sword makers in many countries bought Solingen blades then completed swords per customer orders or built swords for sales inventory. So there's more to be learned, I hope to have better photos in a week or two.
When I was growing up in the 1950's and 60's, The true Ben Franklin descendants lived down the Street from me. All of their 3 children loved to climb up in a storage area above a closet and show off their Great great grandfather's sword, and yes we were allowed to hold and look. The scabbard was a white enamel type substance(unsure as I was only about 5-8 yrs old when I saw it) and was embellished with gems. The swords metal was a golden color. The hilt was a cuff type not a knuckle guard. These descendants were still alive when I found them on Facebook a few years ago. My guess is they still are passing it down within their family. Perhaps the sword I held in my hands and was amazed at was the Sword that he was knighted with?
