Two-thirds of the blade on both sides is etched with neoclassical
motifs that rival the architectural ornament of the Moses Myers
House itself. They include acanthus leaves, bell flowers, trophies
of arms, entwined snakes, an American eagle, and allegorical figures.
From left to right moving down the blade: an American eagle with
the American shield suspended from a ribbon in its beak –
the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscribed on the ribbon;
an allegorical figure of fortitude (one of the four cardinal virtues)
represented as a woman leaning against a column with lion at its
base – the column a reference to Sampson bringing down the
columns of the temple and the lion a symbol of courage and strength;
and a trophy of arms with flags, drums, and weapons including
a quiver of arrows and a cannon barrel.
On the other side of the blade is an allegorical figure of America
as an Indian princess which was standard in 17th- and 18th-century
representations of the “four continents.” Standing
over a vanquished foe (a severed human head was used on grizzlier
versions), she holds a bow and has a quiver of arrows on her back.
In back of her is an alligator (the head appears to the right),
which was seen as a characteristic American animal.
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