Dr. Josiah Bartlett was appointed commander of a New Hampshire militia unit in 1770. It was probably at this time that he obtained the sword, which is sufficiently practical for self defense, yet decorative enough with its attractive embossed and pierced silver hilt so as to reflect the status of its wearer in military and civilian roles.
Throughout the eighteenth century in Britain, Europe and Colonial America decorated swords were an essential fashion accessory of male costume. In many cases, the color of the hilt (that portion comprised of the hand guard and hand grip) was coordinated with the gold or silver thread of the coat and waistcoat.
Bartlett’s political principles and increasing opposition to British colonial rule resulted in his being stripped of his political and military offices in 1775. He became a member of the colonial Committee of Safety and also accepted command of the 7th regiment of foot (infantry). The same year he was chosen as a representative to the Continental Congress. Most importantly that year, Bartlett was the first man to vote for the Declaration of Independence, and was later the second man to sign the document after John Hancock. He was also a signer of the Articles of Confederation in 1777.
After additional terms in Congress Bartlett was granted personal leave in 1778, and increasingly involved in state affairs, filling the roles of chief justice of the New Hampshire court of common pleas, muster master of troops, and justice and later chief justice of the state superior court. He served as state president in 1790 through 1792, and became New Hampshire’s first governor under its new constitution, holding that office until 1794.
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