John Bailey (cutler)

John Bailey (born 1736) was an American cutler and metalworker. Born in Sheffield, England, he moved to New York City in 1755 and set up his own metalworking business 1771. He was married to Anne Brigstoke later that same year. After the British occupation he moved to Frederickstown and later in 1778 to Fishkill, where he continued his cutlery business. He also owned and operated a 200-acre farm just outside Fishkill.[1][2]

In 1784, Bailey returned to New York and was granted American citizenship.[2] Despite applying to George Washington for a post minting coinage for the new United States of America, Bailey was not granted a commission.[1]

Washington's sword
Detail of Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware, showing a representation of the Battle Sword

Bailey is best known as the creator of George Washington's Battle Sword, a lightweight sword around three feet in length, which he constructed in Fishkill. The sword showcases the jade-green stained hilt design for which Bailey was well known. On Washington's death it was bequeathed to his nephew Samuel T. Washington, whose son presented it to Congress in 1843.[3][2]

References
  1. "To George Washington from John Bailey, 17 April 1790". Founders Online. U.S. National Archives. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  2. Mike Loades (2010). Swords and Swordsmen. Pen & Sword Military. pp. 364–366. ISBN 978-1-84884-133-8.
  3. Fishkill Historical Society (1 August 1996). Around Fishkill. Arcadia Publishing. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7385-6378-7.
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