Lot 5 The William Schuyler American Horseman Saber with Figured Maple Grip, Eagle Pommel and Original Leather Scabbard, circa 1778-1790

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The background of William Schuyler is a bit of an enigma.  Records indicated that he was born November  6, 1759 and died August 19, 1822.  Schuyler’s August 2, 1820 pension application states that he used an alias, Peter Fortener, during the Revolutionary War.  He states in his application that he “enlist[ed] in the Company of Captain Roque, in what was called the Flying Camp in 1777 – in the year 1778 he enlisted with Captain Philip Strader in the second late German Regiment of Continental troops commanded by Col. Velkener + continued in the service five years eight months and two days until the end of the War that he was in the Battle of Brandywine, Green Springs, - and … other skirmishes.”  He is listed as a private and a fifer in Major David Burchardt’s company in the German Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ludowick Weltner in Henry Melchior Muhlenberg Richards,  The Pennsylvania-German in the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783, (Pennsylvania-German Society, 1908), pp. 200 and 231.  He may possibly have originally been a Hessian troop in support of the British and was captured in the Battle of Trenton on December 25, 1776 and later switched sides.