Sword w/scabbard: US on quillon

1861-1865

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Steel, brass, fish skin, textile; steel, brass

Overall: 39 1/4 x 5 x 3 1/2 in. ( 99.7 x 12.7 x 8.9 cm )

Gift of Miss Sarah H. Van Nest

1941.402ab

This sword is identified in the accession records as a U.S. field officer's saber. It is said to have belonged to Jacob Janeway Van Nest (1835-1875), who served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War.

DescriptionSword with curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched decoration on obverse and reverse; brass half-basket hilt with openwork leaf and scroll design incorporating initials "US" on obverse side and quillon with scroll finial; grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; Phrygian helmet-shaped pommel with oak leaf and acorn border centering a flower; strip of cloth tape attached to knuckle-bow; steel scabbard with brass mounts consisting of two carrying rings attached to leaf-embossed bands and tip with drag.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade below hilt: "W. H. / Horstmann / & Sons / PHILADELPHIA" etched: on obverse of blade near center: "E. PLURIBUS / UNUM" (on banner) etched: on reverse of blade about 8" from hilt: "U.S." etched: on back of blade: "Iron Proof"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD