Naval officer's sword and scabbard

1852–1865

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Steel, brass, fish skin, textile, gilding; fish skin, brass, gilding

Overall: 3 1/8 × 34 3/8 × 5 1/4 in. (7.9 × 87.3 × 13.3 cm)

Gift of the Naval History Society

1925.104ab

According to the accession records, this sword was used by William Rogers Taylor (d. 1889), a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy.

DescriptionPresentation sword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; gilded brass hilt with grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; oval counter-guard with openwork oak leaf and acorn design on obverse with "USN" molded in relief on underside; helmet-shaped pommel with oak leaf and acorn border centering a flower and eagle in oval frame studded with thirteen stars molded on top; dolphin head at end of knuckle-bow joining pommel, and dolphin head finial on quillon; tassel made of gold metallic thread on long cord tied to knuckle-bow; scabbard covered in black fish skin with gilded brass carrying ring mounts, which are cast in high relief and resemble knotted rope, and gilded brass drag with fish-like appearance similar to "dolphins" on hilt; engraved inscription on reverse side of middle band.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade near hilt: "W. H. Horstmann / & Sons / Philadelphia" stamped: on reverse of blade near hilt: crowned male head in left-facing profile etched: on reverse of blade near center: "USN" on banner engraved: on middle band of scabbard (reverse side): "W. R. T. / U. S. N. / from / Caroline & Laura"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD