Sword and scabbard

ca. 1898

Place madeSpringfield, Massachusetts, United States, North America

Steel, brass, fish skin, gilding; steel, brass, gilding

Overall: 38 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. ( 97.8 x 12.1 x 9.5 cm )

Gift of the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York, through Major Kenneth Miller

1951.385ab

The owner of this sword, William Scott Worth,13th U.S. Infantry, was wounded at the Battle of San Juan Hill, July, 1, 1898, and subsequently presented this sword to Colonel Daniel Appleton of the 7th Regiment, New York National Guard. Worth, who had fought in both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, retired as Brigadier General in November 1898.

DescriptionPresentation sword with curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; gilded brass half-basket hilt with two branches on obverse side joining oval counter-guard, which is molded with an eagle and thirteen stars; grip covered in gray fish skin and wrapped with twisted wire; helmet-shaped pommel with shield and leaf garland molded on front and radial leaf design molded on top; end of knuckle-bow with molded scroll motif at juncture with pommel; steel scabbard with gilded brass mounts, including upper band with carrying ring, middle band with carrying ring, and tip with slightly asymmetrical drag; engraved inscriptions on obverse of scabbard.

Markingsetched: on reverse of blade near hilt: "NATIONAL / ARMORY" in oval depression etched: on reverse of blade near center: "U. S." engraved: on obverse of scabbard, between throat and upper band: "Lieut Colonel W. S. Worth / 13th U. S. Infantry / SAN JUAN CUBA / July 1st 1898" engraved: on obverse of scabbard, between upper and middle bands: "TO COLONEL DANIEL APPLETON / 7TH REGIMENT N.G.N.Y."

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD