John Bailey (cutler)

John Bailey (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 Fredricksburg and later in 1778 to Fishkill, where he continued his cutlery business. He also owned and operated a 200-acre farm just outside Fishkill.
In 1784, Bailey returned to New York and was granted American citizenship. Despite applying to George Washington for a post minting coinage for the new United States of America, Bailey was not granted a commission.

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.