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Naval officer's sword and scabbard

1852-1900

Steel, brass, fish skin, gilding; leather, brass, gilding

Overall: 35 x 4 3/4 x 3 in. ( 88.9 x 12.1 x 7.6 cm )

Gift of John Ward Dunsmore

1941.1171a-c

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched leaf and scroll motifs, cornucopias, and naval insignia on obverse and reverse; gilded brass counter-guard with openwork oak leaf and acorn design on obverse with "USN" molded in relief on underside; grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; Phrygian helmet-shaped pommel with oak leaf and acorn border and eagle inside oval frame with thirteen stars on top; dolphin head at end of knuckle-bow joining pommel, and dolphin head finial on quillon; leather scabbard (in two pieces, b-c) 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.

Markingsetched: on reverse of blade: "U. S. Navy"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD