Sword w/scabbard: U.S.N.

1852-1863

Place madeMassachusetts, United States, North America

Steel, brass, fish skin; leather, brass

Overall: 34 3/8 x 5 1/2 x 3 in. ( 87.3 x 14 x 7.6 cm )

Gift of Miss Sarah H. Van Nest

1941.401ab

According to the accession records, this sword belonged to John Field Van Nest (1838-1864), who served as Master's Mate on the schooner "J. S. Chambers" during the Civil War.

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; brass hilt with grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; counter-guard with openwork oak leaf and acorn design on obverse with "USN" molded in relief on underside; helmet-shaped pommel with an eagle in oval frame studded with twelve stars molded on top and oak leaf and acorn border; dolphin head at end of knuckle-bow joining pommel, and dolphin head finial on quillon; leather scabbard with brass carrying ring mounts, which are cast in high relief and resemble knotted rope, and brass tip with drag with fish-like appearance similar to "dolphins" on hilt.

Markingsetched: on reverse of blade below hilt: "C. Roby & Co. / W. Chelmsford / Mass" etched: on reverse of blade near center: "U.S.N."

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD