Presentation sword and scabbard

1815–1816

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Steel, gold, other metal, gilding; brass, gilding

Overall: 37 × 4 3/4 × 1 1/2 in. (94 × 12.1 × 3.8 cm)

Bequest of Virginia Scott Hoyt

1939.158ab

On October 24, 1814, as the War of 1812 still raged, the New York State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing the "valorous exploits" of twelve military officers who fought during the Niagara campaign of 1814, a major land offensive to seize Canada. The State authorized a presentation sword for each hero, including this one for Major-General Winfield Scott (1786-1866), who received his sword at a grand ceremony held at New York's City Hall. The entire group of New York State presentation swords has been attributed to New York City silversmith John Targee because nearly all of them bear Targee's mark on the crossguard. Curiously, the Scott sword is unmarked, but its similarity to the marked examples leaves no doubt that Targee handled the Scott commission as well.

DescriptionPresentation sword with straight, single-edged steel blade with full-length fuller and etched designs covering three-quarters of obverse and reverse; gold stirrup hilt with counter-guard consisting of an oval piece that curves downward over blade on obverse side and is embossed with Hercules and the Nemean Lion and decorated with a border of rosettes; knuckle-bow with oval medallion with an eagle on either side at center, and circular panel with six-pointed star near juncture with pommel; quillon with ram's head finial; four-sided grips with floral mounts on obverse and reverse and rosettes lining edges on all four sides, surmounted by eagle's head pommel; gilded brass scabbard with three vignettes engraved on obverse, including a battle scene, Niagara Falls, and military trophies; band at throat with embossed grape leaves and clusters and a 2 1/4 inch prong mounted at either side; symmetrical drag with biloded tip; engraved inscription on plaque mounted on obverse of scabbard, and engraved inscription on reverse.

Markingsstamped: on back of blade near hilt: "AA" engraved: on plaque affixed to obverse of scabbard: "Major General Winfield Scott / U. S. Army" engraved: on reverse of scabbard: "Presented by his Excellency Daniel D. Tompkins Governor of the State of New York, pursuant to / Resolutions of the Senate & Assembly of the said State, to Major General W. Scott, as a testimonial / of the high sense entertained of his talents, patriotism and services." etched: on obverse of blade: "E PLURIBUS / UNUM" on banner (part of eagle insignia)

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD